Virginia Russell

Virginia Russell was a remarkable woman who combined great strength and independence with a certain gentleness that made her so special. She was devout in her Catholic faith and made spending time with her family her main priority. Virginia could often be found with her nose buried in a book, often accompanied by her feline friend. Although life was not always easy for her, Virginia did what she needed to in order to get through the day while still finding joy in each new moment. She made it seem easy to hold down a job outside of the home while nurturing children and caring for a home as well. A true friend to many, Virginia’s memory will remain near and dear to the hearts of those she leaves behind.

As the 1920s dawned in America, our nation was moving forward at an unprecedented pace. Technology and innovation fueled growth and expansion within both the business and industrial sectors while products such as radios and automobiles were more affordable for the average consumer. It was during this exciting time that Arthur and Lucille (Gibbs) Hamel welcomed the birth of their daughter, Virginia, on January, 20, 1920. She was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and was raised as an only child until her brother Richard was born 12 years later. Virginia’s father worked as a steam fitter and also raised grapes on the family fruit farm to sell at his fruit stand. Her mother stayed home to care for the children and bustling household. The prosperity of the twenties gave way to the Great Depression of the thirties that left countless Americans without jobs, without homes, and without hope. Things were difficult in the Hamel family during this time as well, however, living through these harsh times imprinted Virginia with a growing experience that was never forgotten. She attended a one-room schoolhouse on the corner of Red Arrow Highway and First Street and went on to graduate from St. Augustine High School in 1937.

It was also during this time that Virginia made the acquaintance of the man who would forever change the course of her life. His name was Robert Russell and after falling deeply in love, the couple was united in marriage in 1938 after eloping to Indiana. Not long after they became husband and wife Virginia and Robert were blessed to become parents. They were overjoyed with the birth of their daughter, Judith, in 1938 who was followed by their son, Jim, in 1942. During the mid-forties Virginia and Robert moved their family to a house on Red Arrow Highway and Van Kal in Mattawan where she would call home throughout most of her life. As WWII engulfed our nation, Virginia worked in a factory in downtown Kalamazoo. She also worked at Clausie Industrial Machine Shop on North Pitcher, but her main mission in life was caring for her family.

In so many ways, Virginia loved life. They enjoyed going camping and fishing on local lakes, making memories along the way. Virginia read all the time, mainly mysteries, and she also loved to golf and bowl. According to Virginia there was nothing quite like a great party, especially with friends. She always liked to bake and was the master of many treats that were enjoyed by her family. Virginia liked both classical and opera music and enjoyed going to performances and plays, too.

There were countless things that made Virginia such a special woman who was loved by so many. She was a woman of faith who was a founding member of St. John Bosco Church in Mattawan and organized many Polish dances as fundraisers. Virginia was deeply saddened with the death of her husband in 1964, but she found strength in both her family and her faith during the days that followed. She could be feisty at times and never hesitated to speak her mind, yet she had that certain something that drew others to her. Later in life, Virginia treasured the companionship of her cat, Tilly, with whom she shared her days.

During the sunset of her life, Virginia suffered from dementia and lost both her hearing and eyesight as well. In June of 2008, she moved to White Oaks Assisted Living where she could get the care her health came to require.

During a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Virginia Russell brought light and life to those around her. She was highly intelligent, mixed well with others, and had many friends with whom she shared many fun times. Virginia embraced life while holding on to her Catholic faith through both the peaks and valleys throughout her life’s journey. She treasured her family as a priceless jewel and leaves behind a footprint that will surely withstand the ebb and flow of the time. Virginia will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Virginia M. Russell died July 11, 2010 in Lawton. Virginia’s family includes a daughter, Judith Clark; 6 grandsons: Adam, Robert, James, Brian, Kevin and Andrew; many great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard (Virginia) Hamel, and many nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Russell, son James Russell, and by 2 granddaughters: baby girl Clark and Colleen Clark. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 10 a.m. at St. John Bosco Church, Mattawan, followed by burial at Genessee Prairie Cemetery. Please visit Virginia’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial donation to St. John Bosco Church. Arrangements provided by Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes - Paw Paw, MI; 60900 M-40, 657-3870.