Marjorie Russell (29 Aug 1944 - 17 Jun 2023)

In loving memory of Marjorie Russell who sadly passed away on 17th June 2023

Marjorie was born on in August 1944 and raised in Bolton Lancashire. She was the only child of Glady’s and Thomas Meadowcroft.

After leaving art college in 1960 Marjorie went to work as a Clerical Assistant at William Edge and Son and later met her first husband Frederick whom she married in 1964. Their son Mark was born in 1965 followed by their daughter Jane two years later.

The family moved to South Africa in 1974 and then later Malawi before returning to the UK late 1977.

In 1979 the family moved to Great Barton in Suffolk. Mark and Jane went to school and college here. Both eventually settled down and got married, Jane to Greg in 1991 and Mark to Stephanie two years later. Grandchildren followed and Marjorie loved being a granny to Janes children Sam and Katie and Mark’s children Jasmine, Brittany and Chloe.

Marjorie discovered her love of cats in Africa. She allowed Jane to have a kitten that was called Katy, who turned out to be a boy and ended up being called KC (for Katy Cat). This then started a lifelong love of cats and eventually Marjorie ran a successful cattery for seven years.

Unfortunately after 35 years together Marjorie and Frederick parted ways.

Then in 2005 Marjorie had a second chance at happiness when she met Peter Russell. They married in 2006 and Marjorie gained stepchildren in Tracey and David and step grandchildren in Holly, Sam, Zoe and Angel. All who were similar in ages to her own children and grandchildren.

In 2010 Marjorie and Peter bought themselves a retirement present in the form of a Hungarian Vizla puppy named Sky. She quickly became the centre of both their lives and gave them many hours of wonderful walks and memories.

Marjorie later became Great Granny to Zachery, Skyler and Maeve, all of whom she referred to as 'the baby'

Over her lifetime Marjorie was involved in many hobbies and voluntary jobs including the WI (hence the hymn Jerusalem as we entered), The Lions Club, Carpet and Outdoor Bowls and was always a keen amateur artist specialising in water colours. In her last years she joined the Cameo Art Club in Stowmarket and more recently the Stroke Association support group. Cliff Richard was her favourite singer popstar which is why the famly have chosen one of his hits as we leave today.

After her first stroke in January of this year Marjorie missed all of her current clubs and social life. Her son Mark then had a very serious road accident, and she was not well enough to travel to Cambridge to see him, instead relying on reports from other family members. She was just starting to regain her strength when Sky passed away in March causing another setback in her health.

When Peter was in hospital last month her health declined further. After a nasty fall she was taken by ambulance to Bury hospital where not only did she visit Peter but she was able to visit with Mark, who had been transferred that day to Bury, and Jane who works at the hospital. It turned out to be an emotional happy day all round.

The family like to think that she is now at peace, free from pain and immobility and has been reunited with her beloved Sky.