Hortense Patricia Russell MD

Dr. Hortense Patricia Russell was born on July 13, 1970, to her parents Daphne Thomson and Clement Russell in St. Catherine’s Parish, Jamaica, West Indies. She spent her early childhood with her mother and siblings in a loving home in St. Catherine, Jamaica. She then moved to Kingston, Jamaica to live with her Aunt Olga Junor (Aunty Birdie) who continued to nurture and provide for her. Hortense was a quiet, gentle, yet precocious young child who devoted much time to her studies. In addition, she always enjoyed nature and spent a lot of time outdoors.

Hortense completed Tarrant High School in Kingston Jamaica. She emigrated to the United States during her teenage years where her relentless ambition led to the completion of several degrees. She received an Associate of Science Degree in Biology from Kingsborough Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Anthropology from Queens College with honors. She put herself through school, while working as a drywall finisher, which she did with excellence and pride. Hortense was always interested in helping people and her dream was to study medicine. The pinnacle of her achievements came when she graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with a Doctor’s degree of Osteopathic Medicine.

Never afraid of a new challenge or opportunity, Dr. Russell practiced medicine for over a decade as a physician at several healthcare organizations, throughout the United States and internationally. These include Doctors Express Urgent Care in Florian Park, New Jersey; Wayne Memorial Community Health in Hamlin, Pennsylvania; Kaiser Permanente Maryland; Centra Health in Lynchburg, Virginia; and Guam Memorial Hospital, Tamuning, Guam. In addition, she was also an Assistant Professor and Course Director at the Rowan University School of Medicine, New Jersey. Most recently she served in the Union Health System of Terre Haute, Indiana, as a Family Medicine Physician, where she was greatly loved and appreciated by her patients and colleagues.

Hortense touched the hearts and minds of every person she met. Her warm spirit and brilliant smile filled each room when she entered. She had love for her family and friends, and always encouraged them to reach their highest potential. She was always willing to share her knowledge to help those around her. Hortense was bold and adventurous, never afraid to take a chance. Her great love for people was also extended to strangers; she was never too busy to lend a helping hand, offer some life coaching or medical advice.

Hortense was meticulous about her passions, be it healthcare, education, real estate, gardening, or home improvement. She was a precise person who did everything to perfection. She had a strong work ethic that was admired by all. Her determination and ambition to meet her goals was unmatched as she soared boldly through life.

Hortense was a constant source of love, light, inspiration and support to her family and friends. She is survived by her mother, Daphne, her siblings: Shearon, Eric, Oneil, Muriel, Dwight, Curtis, Jermaine, Lincoln, Rakel, Bryan, Kemar, Shakiera, Rashell, Carlos, Sandros and Melty in addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends near and far.

Hortense – we ALL dearly miss you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rstutzmannandsonfuneralhome.com for the Russell family.