Helen Russell
Helen Russell, age 98, passed away in Albuquerque on May 26th, 2018. Helen was born in 1920 in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was forever a "force of nature", pursuing passions, whether to defy her parents at age 17 to take a train to New York City to see the Rockettes, to make her own furniture, to repair the family cars, or to take a summer braille course in order to teach a blind child entering her class. Helen was ahead of her time as a feminist and a conservationist. She was frugal, with herself, but always generous with others. Helen was a world traveler who brought suitcases full of treasures home from Peru, China, Egypt, Australia, England, and France-which she never needed to unpack. Helen was unique!
Helen was a beloved Albuquerque elementary school teacher, teaching at Zia and Montezuma schools until she retired at 83. Parents requested Helen as a teacher for their children because of her reputation. Helen focused on creativity and the burgeoning of critical thinking. Helen was an active teacher who didn’t just sit at her desk but brought in snakes, tarantulas, and genuine moon rocks. She focused for weeks at a time on art or math or culture. Her students loved learning and came back for years to visit her or to invite her to important events in their lives. At one point, Helen was awarded the "Golden Apple" teachers of distinction award for New Mexico teachers.
Helen was married to prominent tennis star Gene Russell for 75 years. Gene was initially attracted to Helen’s drive, vitality and zest for life, and that remained true throughout their exceptionally long life together.
Helen is survived by her husband Eugene Russell and her children Christina Lapides (Harvey) of Oakland, Tim Russell (Marcia) of Albuquerque, and Wendy Russell-Davis of Albuquerque. She is predeceased by her sons Tony Russell and Ted Russell. Helen is survived by her grand-children Amy Lapides, Heather Lapides, Katy Engbrecht, Kyle Russell, Brittany O’Brien, Derek Slade, Drew Davis, Madison Davis, Michael Davis, Reese Russell-Frayer, and Molly Christensen. Helen is predeceased by her grandson Max Slade. She has six great-grandchildren. Helen is also survived by her sister Jeanne Winer of Battle Creek and predeceased by her sister Elaine Calender of Battle Creek.
Helen would want to send her enduring love to her past students and their families. She inspired her children and grand-children to live life with enthusiasm and to remember that in times of adversity. "You never know what lies around the corner."