Thursday, December 29, 2011

Russell, Mildred Evelyn

Forever known as ""Torchy"" passed away December 21/2011, with her family and friends at her side at her home at The Waterford in Delta. Torchy was born on January 11/1925 and grew up on the Red River in Winnipeg. There she spent many happy days exploring the river with her speed skates in the winter, and her canoe in the lovely summer months. Torchy was married to B. Alan Russell on May 6th/1949 at the Canadian Memorial Church in Vancouver. From rooming houses, to the Little Mountain army barracks where Al finished his degrees, they were looking for just right place to settle. In 1955 just after daughter Gail and son Dean's birth they found their family home on West 37th Ave. The birth of Neil and Gary followed. With her family complete, Torchy found her passion in volunteering. Most recently, Torchy was the Past President of the ladies auxiliary of the War Amputations Society of Canada. Her first love was words, and she worked for many years as the voluntary librarian at Lord Byng School. She also spent many hours helping in the early days of the Planetarium. In her later years, Torchy was a dedicated worker at the Ladner Hospital Auxiliary and was a member of the Ladner United Church. Torchy and Al loved to spend their summers at Cultus Lake where they bought a cabin in 1960. Every summer Torchy was the inspiration of the swim club and was her children's biggest fan. She was an amazing person. In her spare time she was a skilled bridge player, who also loved bowling and lawn bowling. Her favorite station was the CBC because it kept her in touch with the world and more importantly with Canadian stories. Torchy is predeceased by her parents, Lenard and Jenny Bishop, her brother, Rick (Betty) Bishop and her daughter Gail Londry. She will be sorely missed by sons Dean (Sherry), Neil (Fran) and Gary (Fern) as well as her nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The family would like to offer our very grateful thanks to the nurses and staff of The Waterford who cared for her with love and compassion in her last years. Also special thanks to Dr. Ken Lai, for his thoughtful and professional attentions over Torchy's life. 

To celebrate her life, a gathering of family and friends will be held in the New Year. Torchy lived her life with grace and hope. She met her many challenges with great strength and faith. We loved her, and she leaves an empty spot in our hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:1 ""To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:""

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