Russman, Eileen

Eileen Ruth Pollack Russman passed away on January 5, 2022, at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving family. Eileen is survived by her two sons, Eric Russman and his wife Sherry (Walsh) of Southington, CT, and David Russman and his wife Ragan Willis of Wenham, MA. Eileen (“Grandma Leenie”) doted on and was greatly loved by her three grandchildren, Amanda, Benjamin, and Sage Russman.

Eileen is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Ivan and Carlyn Pollack of Parkland, FL, special cousin Marjie Wolfe of Hamden, CT, and several nieces and nephews.

Born in New Haven, CT on August 8, 1931, Eileen was the daughter of Elizabeth Gillette and George Pollack. She was raised in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1949 and Grace New Haven School of Nursing in 1952. Eileen was a registered nurse at Grace New Haven Hospital, Connecticut Valley Hospital, Undercliff, and Meriden Wallingford Hospital before retiring as the Assistant Director of Nursing at Miller Memorial Community in Meriden, CT.

Eileen enjoyed traveling and visited many countries around the world. She made friends easily, and kept in touch with many of them for more than 50 years. Eileen was always up for a party, and was the first to arrive and last to leave. She was a constant presence at her grandchildren’s school events, and never forgot a friend’s or family member’s birthday. Eileen also loved playing mahjong with her friends, and lunches out with the girls.

Eileen had a tremendous amount of spirit and determination and, to her doctors’ amazement, recovered from cancer several times during her life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A Private graveside service will be held at B’nai Jacob Memorial Park, 200 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT, on Monday, January 10, 2022. The family will sit Shiva at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute at Midstate Medical Center in Meriden, CT. The Robert E. Shure & Son Funeral Home, New Haven is in care of Arrangements. To sign an online registry book, leave a message of condolence, or watch the service live, please visit www.shurefuneralhome.com.

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