Elizabeth Russell

Beloved wife of Ross for 69 years. Loving mother to Mark (Leslie) and Melody Blain (John). Cherished Nanny of Russell and Charlotte. Dear sister of the late Rev. John (Leah), the late Mary Cushner (late Jerry), the late Filomena Somerton (Charles), Brunetta Russell (Walter), Rose Cormier, and the late Vincent (late Lois).

‘Lee’ was born in Toronto’s first Little Italy neighbourhood near Clinton and College on November 6, 1930. She was the fifth child of the late Giuseppe and Anna-Maria (née Tarasco), Italian immigrants from the city of Matera in Basilicata.

Growing up, Lee loved playing baseball at Christie Pits, reading and singing. The family was actively involved in the local Italian Pentecostal church and her Christian faith remained strong throughout her life.

At the age of seventeen, she met a handsome young man who had recently moved to the neighbourhood from Bay Roberts, Newfoundland. After dating for six years, she and Ross were married in July of 1953 at College Street Baptist Church.

In 1954, Lee took a position at CHUM 1050 AM which grew to become the first top-forty radio station in Canada. She served as executive secretary to CHUM’s president, Allan Waters, for thirteen years.

Secretarial talents continued to serve her long after she “retired” in 1967 to begin raising a family. At home Lee kept meticulous records, often relying on Pitman shorthand to rapidly jot down important information. She read voraciously, loved a great debate on just about any topic and listened attentively to Betty Kennedy and Gordon Sinclair on CFRB 1010. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed entertaining. A special love was singing hymns throughout the day and Lee happily assumed the alto part in a trio with sisters Rose and Bernie while sister Fil accompanied on the piano. She taught herself to play the organ by ear, completed large needlepoint projects, and often read the Toronto Star from cover to cover.

Lee was a hands-on mom chaperoning many school field trips, volunteering in the library and taking on the role of Cookie Convenor for the local Girl Guides chapter. She loved her grandchildren dearly and made countless batches of her famous chocolate fudge for them to enjoy.

A private service will be held before interment at Sanctuary Park Cemetary, Etobicoke. In lieu of flowers, donations to Princess Margaret Hospital or Baycrest Hospital would be appreciated.

“In gloria eterna co’fedel . . Nella Gerusalemme in ciel”