1923 - 2010 - Helen (Jean) Russell of Miramichi Senior Citizens Home and formerly of St. Patrick's Dr. Nelson Miramichi passed away at Miramichi Regional Hospital September 19, 2010 after a brief illness at the age of 87. Born in Ashford Middlesex, England, she was the daughter of Lillian (Walters) and George Brant. Jean came to Canada as a young war bride arriving in Halifax at Pier 21 aboard the Aquitania on January 22nd 1947 and settled in Nelson New Brunswick with her husband Bill, where she lived all her married life. Jean worked for a short time after raising her family as a Nursing Aide at Mt. St. Joseph and at Miramichi Senior Citizens Home in the housekeeping dept. retiring in 1982. Jean was a former member of the New Brunswick War Brides Association. She and her husband Bill enjoyed many of the annual gatherings the Association held over the years. She, as well, journeyed on the return trip to Pier 21 on the War Bride Train in 2006, the year of the War Bride. Jean is survived by sons David White (Diane) of Frimley England; Kevin Russell (Doris) of Miramichi and daughter Jacqueline Stewart of Miramichi; brother Jack Brant of Frimley, England. Also surviving her are grandchildren Chris Stewart, Kerri Lynn King, Kim Mah, Pamela Tweedie, William Russell, Tyson Mattchet all of Miramichi, Debbie Buggie of Hillsborough N.B., Susan Reardon and Steven White of Frimley England - her great-grandchildren Kaitlyn Hannah & Ethan King; Adam Stewart, Jake, Cole, Drew & Samantha Tweedie; Jadyn & Erica Mah; Amaly Russell, Kaden Buggie; Holly and Jasmine Reardon. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her first husband David White (1940) her second husband William Russell (2004) her son-in-law Adam Stewart, her brother Jim Brant and sister Violet Brant.
Helen (Jean) Russell is resting at Maher's Funeral Home 35 University Ave Miramichi on Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 at 11am from St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Nelson Miramichi with Fr Jim McQuade officiating. Interment will be in St Patrick's Cemetery Nelson Miramichi, N.B. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Maher's Funeral Home 35 University Ave Miramichi serving the Miramichi and surrounding area for 100 years. Telephone 773-4321.