Russell, Patricia Ellen
Patricia Ellen Russell was freed from the prison her body had become for her on the night of May 17, 2023. She is survived by her wife, Diane DeArmond, and stepdaughter, Megan DeArmond, and countless friends from the wide diversity of places and interests that wove the multi textured fabric making up Pat's journey in this life. Pat's life began in Jersey City, New Jersey. She was the only child of Bill and Kathryn Russell and known as Patti in her early years. From the beginning she was creative, imaginative, artistic, and could enjoy her own company with her dog, Bonnie, as playmate. When young, she struggled with school, yet went on to a career in and passion for teaching. Her first degree was in philosophy and literature and upon graduation chose a path that would take her across the world and into the beginning of a rich and meaningful life. She chose teaching in a private school for Turkish girls where she remained for three years that included traveling through the Middle East and Europe on her vacations. This was a pivotal time for Pat that changed her world view as well as her view of her mission in life.
Upon returning to the United States, to a country that had changed in her absence, the foundational change in Pat's perspective directed her to incorporate her love of teaching with working for civil rights in her first year back. Her beliefs became her way, and she walked her path of compassion and caring for the next thirtyfive years teaching at Hartford Public High School until retirement in 2000. She shared her love of literature and writing to inspire her students to write short stories and plays.
Photography was the perfect medium for Pat to share the beauty that she saw around her in the world. She loved taking photographs of her students and nature. She loved vibrant colors and her gift was evident in the design and decoration of their home.
Pat's love of learning, reading and psychology led her to the next chapter in her life. She earned her next MA in psychology and psychotherapy and began private practice as a psychotherapist for the first fifteen years of "retirement". Her love of the work of Carl Jung gave her a community of like-minded travelers seeking understanding of Self and others through the realm of the unconscious in dreamtime. She and Diane shared many wonderful times of reading, discussing, writing, plumbing the depths of the collective unconscious that was so exquisitely available in their dreams.
Book clubs were a favorite way for Pat to share her love of literature. In her final years she and Diane were part of a special group of women who would meet at their home so that Pat could participate as possible for her. They continue to be a great support for Diane. There was a generosity and thoughtfulness that Pat offered without question to those she loved and appreciated. She walked a hard road at different times throughout her life with her final years requiring tremendous effort to hang on through injuries and disability. She kept rallying, continuing to be companion to Diane, until the effort was no longer tenable for her weary soul.
The family asks that all who wish to honor Pat's memory in this way please do so in donation to your favorite charitable organization.