Russell I. Lowell

Russell was born July 15, 1917 in New Britain, Connecticut to Ivan and Bertha Lowell. He was a loving and devoted husband for 72 years until his adored wife Helen passed away in 2009. He was a strong, loving father to his children. He worked for IBM from 1951 – 1982. He started out as a machinist, tool and die maker and worked his way up in the company to Procurement Quality Engineer. His long career with IBM began in Endicott, New York. He eventually transferred to Federal Systems Division in Owego, New York and ended up in Tucson, Arizona where he and Helen lived for 23 years. Russell loved the desert. He moved to Texas in 2003 as a result of his loss of eyesight.

Russell loved photography. He always prided himself in having the latest camera which he put to good use photographing nature. His favorite subject was the sunset in Tucson. He also loved to photograph flowers, landscape and of course his family. He was always connected to the earth through his gardening. He loved growing tomatoes and roses in the desert. As a young husband and father, he had a very ambitious garden including grapevines. He also raised a small number of chickens for eggs and food. These were his hobbies, not his occupation. Fishing and bowling were his passions. When Russell was in his 70’s he learned to use a computer. Technology did not intimidate him, had he not lost his vision he would have been very impressed with the latest technical gadgets we take for granted. He also enjoyed really good food, and traveling. He and Helen traveled all over the United States in their RV at one time. He always had words of wisdom and guidance for his children, and was known for his sense of humor which kept him going right up until the end. He was well-liked by everyone he met and loved by the many who had the honor of caring for him up to the end.

Russell is survived by his daughters Judy Mitchell and husband James, Janet Cavalucci and husband Dominic, many grandchildren, Cheryl Lee and husband William, Joanne Roehr, Thomas Webb and his wife Stacey, Dara Clow and her husband Derek, Alison Vertz and her husband Michael, Ginger Leon and her husband Manny, and many great-grandchildren, Penny Lee, Daniel Lee and wife Cassandra, and Christopher Lee, Nathan Roehr and Hannah Roehr and Rachael Gustafson, Wilson Webb and Rachael Webb, Reagan Clow, Riley Clow and Keegan Clow, Cassandra Leon and Katarina Leon, and one great-great grandson, Wyatt Lee. He is also survived by many cousins and nieces and nephews.

Russell was preceded in death by his wife Helen, son Russell Lowell, Jr., his parents Bertha and Ivan Lowell, and his brother Roger Lowell.

He will be sadly missed, especially his great sense of humor. A special thank you to the caring staff at Stonebridge Health Center, and Odyssey Hospice.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 2, 2011 at l:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas.