| Remembrances |
Our Mother, Lorraine Rita Bosinski Russell, began her journey home to our Lord on October 24, 2006 after 85 amazing years. She was continuously active until the few weeks prior to her death. Mom was born May 22, 1921, in Buffalo, Upon Dad's discharge from the Marines in 1946 the family which now included two children moved to Billings. Dad and Mom started Russell Sheet Metal which was in operation until his death in 1979. Even though six more children had been added to the family Mom was very active in the community. Mom was a Charter member of Holy Rosary Parish. Dad built and donated the cross that still stands above the church. She was a member of St. Michael's Circle, Legion of Mary, Catholic Daughters, the church choir and Holy Rosary Parochial School Board. In 1993, Mom was honored to be chosen as a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth Associate. Her devotion to God became stronger with each passing year Love of country was also strong within Mom. She was a 58 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, 40 et 8 for 41 years, a member of Past Presidents Parley, Veteran's Council and the Auxiliary Drill team until it disbanded. She held many offices in each organization including a 7 year chairmanship of the ALA Girls State, National ALA Ritual and Emblem Chairman and Regional Chapeau of the 40 et 8. In addition, she served on the Washington School PTA for many years and delighted many teachers by making a Valentine's heart cake for the instructor of each child. With few exceptions, she served as an Election Judge for every election for at least 40 years. Volunteerism was Mom's passion after Dad passed away. In 1983 she began as a St Vincent Healthcare Volunteer and has given over 11,380 hours of service. She also volunteered in the Gift Corner, Loose Ends and was the Chaplain for the Volunteer Board of Directors. At age 69, she received her CNA certification which allowed her to care for the 'older ladies' that required in-home care. Mom delighted in Pinochle, Canasta, Bunco, Bingo, any board game, crossword and jigsaw puzzles and reading anything she picked up. Through all this, Mom was the rock of our family. Her 7 surviving children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and her many friends will all miss her smiles, hugs, pumpkin pies and silly jokes but most of all, her unconditional love. Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, and her 4th son, Terry Michael, her brother, Russell Bosinski, sister-in-law Peggy Greer, brothers-in-law, James Russell, Virgil Russell, James Walters and Edward Szczesny. Surviving children are Roy Russell, Jr. (Pamela) of Richland, WA, Janet Euell (Rubie) of Ballantine, MT, Alan Russell of Mesa, AZ, Sharon Koelling (Edward) of Boise, ID, Rosalyn Robinson (Rick) of Ranchester, WY, Kenneth Russell, (Deborah) of San Diego, CA. and Steven Russell (Ferne) of Billings. Grandchildren are Ronna Dumont (Kel) of Kent, WA, William Russell of Richland, WA, Jason Euell (Shauna) of Billings, Jennifer Euell of Missoula, MT, Roxanne Allard (Clay) of Billings, Kelly Russell of Portland, OR, Lorenda Koelling of Meridian, ID, Charlotte Ykema (Greg) of Nampa, ID, Travis Fears of Broadview, MT, Russell Johnson of Dayton, WY, Michael and Alexis Russell of San Diego, CA, and Kim and Scott Roman of Las Vegas, NV. Great grandchildren are Amanda and Samantha Dumont, Hailey Euell, Devin Koelling (Amberly), Jacob Hook, Madison and Harley Johnson and Hayden Barker. Her Great-great granddaughter is Alyssa Koelling. Mom is also survived by her sisters, Beatrice Szczesny of Buffalo, NY and Jean Walters of Glendive, MT, sisters-in-law, Wilma Bosinski of Eden, NY, Edith Russell of Clam Gulch, AK, Ida Russell of Billings and BJ Russell of Billings, one brother-in-law, Carl Greer of Billings and a great many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the many friends that have visited, provided food and comfort and been a solace to us all. We especially wish to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice who have so lovingly cared for our Mother and our sister-in- law, Pamela, for the many, many ways she has assisted our Mother through the years. Our love for you all knows no bounds. Vigil services will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, Oct. 27 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, at the church. Rite of Committal will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Michelotti-Sawyers is helping with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, Mom has requested that memorials be made to Holy Rosary Church or to St Vincent Healthcare Foundation. God bless you all. |
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New
York, the eldest of four children of William and Anna Bosinski. At age 17,
she was recognized at the Western Zone Science Congress, Buffalo Museum of
Science, for her exhibit of the "Drunkometer" she had invented. Her
machine was used at the Buffalo Police Department and was the precursor of
the modem day Breathalyzer Test. She graduated from East High School in
1939 and worked as a secretary to three doctors. Mom met our Dad, Roy
Russell, a native of Laurel, Montana, on a ferry on Lake Erie and they
were married April 21, 1942.