Obituary of Carolyn K. Russell

Winterport - Carolyn Mae Kelley Russell of Winterport, Maine passed away on October 23, 2020 at age 68 from Early Onset Alzheimer’s. She died peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Carolyn was born on June 12, 1952 in Calais, Maine, daughter of Thomas J. Kelley, Sr. and Louise (Jones) Kelley. Carolyn is survived by her husband, the love of her life, Edward Russell. She was a beloved mother to Abigail Mae Russell, Adam Conquest Russell, and Emerald Russell Forcier. She was a very proud mother-in-law to Kurt Forcier and Amanda Loomis, and her extraordinary spirit lives on through her granddaughter, Maisie Carolyn Forcier. Carolyn was raised in the incredible Kelley family in Calais, Maine. Lovingly referred to as “Sis”, Carolyn is survived by her mother, Louise Kelley, and five siblings, Joanne Arnold, Mary Delmonaco, Tom Kelley, John Kelley, and Anne Louise “Husa” Eagan. Carolyn was a beloved and supportive sister-in-law to Bill Russell, David Russell, and the late Diane Russell. Known as “Auntie Mae”, Carolyn was adored by her 14 nieces and nephews. Carolyn graduated from Calais Regional High School and earned her Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Maine in 1974. During a summer job as a waitress in Bar Harbor she fell for the handsome and witty dish boy, Ed Russell. It was love at first sight and they were never apart for the next 47 years. Shortly after graduating, Carolyn was offered a job to teach kindergarten in Winterport, Maine, beginning the very next day. She accepted the job, sight unseen, dragging along the handsome dish boy (now law student). They immediately fell in love with the small river town where they would eventually create their dream life. Carolyn spent her schooldays as one of the most energetic, dedicated, and talented teachers in the region. Her holidays were spent hitchhiking around the world with Ed. They hopped trains across Europe, they sweet-talked their way all the way to California, and their thumbs became dependable fixtures along Route 9 to Calais. Along the way were many long evenings at Nan's Tavern on Hammond St. with best friends Skip Sickles, Harold Babcock, and a rotating cast of guest stars. Carolyn & Ed were a dynamic duo, bringing a smile and story to everyone they met. Carolyn and Ed were married in Calais in 1979, and brought their first child, Abigail, into the world in 1981. Once Adam and Emerald came along they decided the world had enough energetic Russells. They purchased a home along Penobscot Bay with plenty of room for the crew to run, sing, and laugh as loudly as Russells do. She made it a magical place and time. Carolyn was best known for her creativity and hospitality, her kitchen often referred to as “The best restaurant in town.” Whether it was organizing community cookouts, infamous costume parties, wacky birthday parties, or team dinners, Carolyn ensured that everyone was welcome. No matter the reason, every family knew that their child had a warm bed, delicious meal, and a safe adventure at Carolyn’s house. While Carolyn’s creativity and hospitality are paramount to her legacy, she was also a fiercely dedicated provider and advocate. Throughout her 25 years of teaching, Carolyn loved every single child who came through her classrooms in Winterport and in Stockton Springs. She put her career on hold for ten years to care for her daughter, Abby, who suffered a debilitating brain tumor in 1989. Carolyn was a mentor to countless families in their time of grief while living at the Ronald McDonald House in Boston, and she turned her pain into purpose as an advocate for the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. As the parent of a child with life-long special needs, Carolyn ensured her advocacy efforts did not just serve her daughter, but every other child as well. In 2004 Ed endured a brain tumor, and Carolyn was by his side every minute for the better part of a year. After a lifetime in service to others, in 2015 Carolyn’s diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s required roles to reverse, and Ed stepped up as the most loving and supportive spouse one could ever imagine. Ed’s attempts to recreate their youthful adventures with a trip to Louisville and a European Cruise serve as hilarious cautionary tales to spouses of those with Alzheimer’s… sometimes life is just about slowing down, and telling someone you love them. The family wishes to thank Elizabeth Gilks, Barbara Perkins, Mackenzie Kelley and Lillian Gonya, Carolyn’s loving caretakers in her last days. A funeral service will be held privately because of restrictions and a live-stream will be available for friends and community 10:00 AM Friday, October 30, 2020 at this link https://youtu.be/xxGnpZ7Oxbk beginning at appx 9:30 AM just prior. A graveside service will be held 1 PM Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Winterport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, 383 US Route One #2C, Scarborough, ME 04074, or act.alz.org/donate. Arrangements trusted to Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer and messages and memories may be shared at kileyandfoley.com.