Annie Josephine Russell

Annie “Joanne" Josephine Russell, born March 30, 1958, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2021. She was born in San Diego, California to Patrick and Sheila Russell (née Roddy), proud immigrants from Ireland. Her love for her parents was eternal. The third of four children, Annie grew up in a vibrant, loving home with her sister and her two brothers. Annie was brought up in the Catholic faith, attending St. Michael’s Elementary School and Marian Catholic High School. As a child, her parents would send her to Ireland during her summers to work and be close to family and she enjoyed spending time with her many cherished cousins who lived there. She began her natural calling of leadership at Marian Catholic as President of her class as a Freshman, Sophomore and Junior and was ASB President her Senior Year and yearbook editor.

She found passion in healthcare, starting as a Candy Striper at Kaiser Permanente, then attending California School of Nursing, where she earned her nursing degree. She went on to earn her BSN from University of San Diego, her MSN from San Diego State University, her NP from UC San Diego, and her MBA from Point Loma Nazarene University. She started her career as a Registered Nurse in the ICU. She gracefully climbed the leadership ladder, finishing her 41-year career as the Chief Operating Officer for Southern California Permanente Medical Group. One of her proudest accomplishments was facilitating the preventative medicine events that led to 12 Guinness Book of World Records. Her impact on Kaiser Permanente was tremendous. She was kind and gracious to everyone she worked with, from the CEO to the custodial staff, she touched the lives of each of the individuals she met.

During her lifetime she raised two daughters, whom she cherished above all else. She supported their career paths, valued education and pushed for higher education, and was never shy to give them the honest truth. She was their best friend, fostering special relationships with each of her daughters. She traveled the world, visiting her beloved cousins in Ireland and enjoying rest and relaxation at her beach home in Enniscrone, Ireland. One of Annie's favorite activities was hunting for bargains on the weekends. She loved taking a dip in the ocean, whether it was the wild Atlantic or the Pacific. She Jazzercised, attended concerts, loved her early-morning workout sessions, had many beautiful lunches and dinners with friends, enjoyed the casino on Sundays with her sister, and relished time with family. Annie was known for her quick wit, sense of humor, positivity, radiance, leadership, and love.

Annie is survived by her two daughters, Mary Alice and Annie, her sister Teresa (son Brian) brothers Michael (son Patrick) and Patrick (wife Lisa, daughters Nora, Barbara, and Sheila).

Her time with us was short, but her impact on so many is everlasting.

In lieu of flowers, please consider placing a donation to Kaiser Permanete San Diego Hospice or Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

A rosary service for Annie will be held Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 9-10 AM followed by a funeral service at 10am at St. Martin of Tours, 7710 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942. Following the funeral service will be a graveside burial service at 1130 AM at La Vista Memorial Park, 3191 Orange St., National City, CA 91950.

A wake service will be held on Saturday October 2, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Bonita Golf Course 5540 Sweetwater Road, Bonita, CA 91902.