Former Obstetrics Nurse Dies

Linda W. Russell, 66, of Shrewsbury, died on Sunday after a long illness. She leaves behind her loving husband, Thomas J. Russell, two sons, Thomas J. Russell, Jr., of Brooklyn, NY, and Matthew J. Russell of Plano, TX, daughter-in-law, Jami Russell of Plano, TX and three grandsons, Ivan, Micah, and Noah. She also leaves her mother, Rose A. Willis of Shrewsbury and two brothers, Wayne W. Willis of Hyannis and David E. Willis of Shrewsbury. Linda also had a very close relationship with her niece, Jill M. Moro of Plymouth. She was predeceased by her father, Clarence Willis.

Linda was a graduate of and Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing, and also attended Worcester State College. She received special honors at Hahnemann as the top clinical nurse in her graduating class.

She worked for many years as a labor and delivery nurse at St. Vincent's Hospital and as a nurse clinician both at the office of B. Dale Magee, MD and at Auburn Fallon Clinic.

Disabled in 1994 in a car crash with a tractor trailer truck, Linda successfully lobbied Washington to require all trucks be retrofitted with reflective safety tape.

She very much enjoyed time with her husband and family both in Shrewsbury and at her summer home in Dennisport, MA. Linda was a very giving and loving wife, mother and friend. She loved her career in obstetrics and helped so many people over the years through her work guiding women through pregnancy and childbirth. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Her family is extremely grateful to all those who helped care for Linda during her long and courageous battle, and would like to extend a special appreciation to Camille Soucy, and also thank Juliet Muthoni, Ann Desrosiers, Jami Russell, and Linda Bellil, RN.

In lieu of flowers, Linda and her family request donations be made to the Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

A funeral Mass for Linda will be celebrated Wednesday, July 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. To leave a note of condolence for Linda’s family or to view her “Book of Memories” please visit, www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.