Annie J Russell

March 30, 1958 - September 27, 2021

SAN DIEGO — 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 two brothers. Annie was raised in the Catholic faith, attending St. Michael’s Elementary School and Marian Catholic High School. She began her natural calling to leadership in high school, as ASB president. She found passion in healthcare, first 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. Her impact on Kaiser Permanente was tremendous. An accomplishment of which she was particularly proud was facilitating preventative medicine events that led to 12 Guinness World Records.

She was kind and gracious to all with whom she worked. During her lifetime she raised two daughters, whom she cherished above all else. She traveled the world, visiting beloved cousins in Ireland and enjoying rest and relaxation at her beach home in Enniscrone, Ireland. She Jazzercised and loved her early-morning workout sessions. She enjoyed the casino on Sundays with her sister and relished time with family. Annie was known for her quick wit, her sense of humor, her positivity, her radiance, her leadership, and her 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).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Kaiser Permanente San Diego Hospice or Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.

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