Jane Russell, 94, of Saugerties
SAUGERTIES » Jane Russell, 94, of Saugerties, New York, passed away, surrounded by her family, on March 21, 2018, in Ten Broeck Commons Nursing Home.
Jane was born on April 10, 1923, in Park Ridge, New Jersey, the eldest daughter to her parents, Jane Acker-Hopper and Lloyd Hopper, and sister to her late brother, Lloyd “Buddy” Hopper. She grew up in Pearl River, New York, and graduated from Pearl River High School. She was married to her late husband, Edward “Grumpy” L. Russell of Nyack, for 42 years. Together, they built a home in Blauvelt, New York, where they raised 5 children on 101 Cottage Lane. Jane worked as a secretary at South Orange Town Central School District. In their retirement years, Jane and Edward relocated to Woodbourne, New York, to a country cottage across from the Neversink River. It was there that many family gatherings with card games, fishing, and laughter occurred. She loved to sit in the sun and enjoy the outdoors with a cup of coffee. Jane and Edward spent their winters in Florida and went on many visits to see their children, grandchildren, and friends. After Edward’s death in 1987, Jane travelled on many adventures solo and with her Aunt Katherine Hughes and dear friend, Louise Bohr. She visited Ireland, Israel, Germany, Prague, and Ecuador. Jane loved visiting cathedrals and was fearlessly independent in her travels. Jane lovingly cared for her mother, Jane Hopper, in her home until her death. In 2000, Jane moved in with her daughter Jeanne, son-in-law Steve, and granddaughter Kelly on Barclay Lane in Saugerties, New York. She enjoyed her time with her many Labradors and helped to keep house, always insisting on doing the laundry and cleaning the kitchen. Jane was her happiest surrounded by her family at many reunions, the most recent being 2013, where she was the matriarch and led the
family in singing “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” Jane will be remembered most for her beautiful blue eyes, honesty, giving heart and sense of humor. She leaves behind her children: Edward Russell and late wife Linda of Alaska, Jane Russell of Florida, Lloyd Russell and wife Rita of Florida, Joanne Jungclaus and husband Monroe “Skip” of Florida, and Jeanne Niemis and husband Steven of New York. She is survived by several grandchildren: Chad and Angie Burris, Seth and Ally Burris, Michael Sullivan, Kerry and Rodney Gumaer, Lloyd Russell Jr., Lisa Russell, Saundra and Blake Farah,
Eric and Amanda Jungclaus, and Kelly and Matthew Warringer. In addition, she leaves behind great-grandchildren, Zachary, Jackson and Brady Burris, Samantha, Jessica and Rodney Jr. Gumaer, Elisabeth Russell, Patrick and Taira Ramos, Evan Jungclaus and Addison Farah.
The viewing will take place at Hannaman’s Funeral Home, 88 South Broadway, Nyack, New York, on April 2, 2018 from 2 to 6 p.m. A Catholic funeral Mass will take place on April 3, 2018, at St. Margaret’s Church, 115 West Central Ave., Pearl River, New York, at 10 a.m.