ANNE (ANA) RUSSELL

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ANNE (ANA) RUSSELL It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Anne Russell (nee Holunga) on October 29, 2018 at the age of 95 years. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Vasile and Magdelina Holunga and her brothers, Nestor and Ted, as well as her sisters, Mary and Roberta and three infant siblings, Gheorghe, Domnica and Veronica. She leaves to mourn her passing her daughter Karen (Donald) and cherished granddaughter Kalyn, as well as many dear nieces, nephews and treasured friends. Mother lived a long and full life. She believed in prayer and in peace and died as she lived with her values and principles still strong. She left behind her a legacy of truth and love. Mom was born in Lennard, Manitoba on September 10, 1923. She attended Shellbank School in Lennard and Riding Park School in Twin Brae. Her first job, at 13 years of age, was doing domestic work and chores for a district farmer which earned her a little extra money for the family. As a young girl, age 17, Anne went to Nelson, BC where, at various times she secured work at a local hospital, at a bakery and at a dry cleaning establishment. At the same time she attended business school and took courses in shorthand and typing. It was while she was in Nelson in 1942, that she enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy (W.R.C.N.S.) Anne returned to Winnipeg where she waited for her call to the Navy following which she went to Galt, Ontario for her basic training and graduated to Wren status. She then went to Cornwallis, Nova Scotia for further extensive training and eventually became a Leading Wren. Soon after she went to Ottawa and in 1943 was assigned overseas. She travelled to Scotland on the ship The Queen Elizabeth and was then stationed in Gourock/Greenock on the Clyde. She was then placed on loan to the British Navy and assigned to the highly confidential Department of Warships Movements (ETA). In 1945 she was in London in Trafalgar Square where she celebrated VE Day. Returning to Canada, shortly thereafter, she was sent to Sydney (CBI), Nova Scotia for Decommissioning of Ships and subsequently to NSHQ NADEN at Victoria, BC where she was discharged and Demobilized. Over the years that followed she would fondly recall many of her special friends and the experiences she had during her years in the Navy. Up until the age of 90, she was an active member of the Retired Wrens Association. Following her return to Winnipeg after the war years, Anne attended United College (University of Winnipeg). She then worked for various firms and it was in May of 1954 that she was hired and employed by B. A. Robinson Company Ltd. where she eventually became office manager and accounts receivable supervisor. Anne retired after 35 happy years employed with the company. Throughout her life, Anne's accomplishments were many. She was an initial founder of St. George's Romanian Orthodox Church and also served as Treasurer. From the time of its inception (1973) Anne was also one of the original founders of the St. Demetrious Romanian Orthodox Church and served in the capacity of secretary of the board of directors for many years. As well she participated as both member and vice-president of the Ladies Auxiliary. Anne continued to attend weekly church services until May of 2018 and remained a board member and church trustee until just prior to the time of her passing. Her faith truly was a very significant part of her life. Anne initiated the inception of and was also an executive member of Pavilion Romania, a part of the yearly Folklorama festival in Winnipeg. She was the first mayor of the Pavilion and held that position for two consecutive years. Her involvement in all things cultural also extended to her participation with programs at the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature. Mother often said "I thank God for my many Blessings, my family and my dear friends." "Dumnezeu s'o erte" Prayers will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue on Sunday, November 4 at 4:00 p.m. Funeral service and Divine Liturgy will be held on Monday, November 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Demetrious Romanian Orthodox Church located at Furby and Westminster. Father Victor Malanca will officiate. A memorial lunch will take place in the church basement directly following the service. Interment will follow at Chapel Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Portage Avenue. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715
Publish Date: Nov 3, 2018

ANNE (ANA) RUSSELL It is with great sorrow we announce Anne's passing on October 29, 2018. Longer obituary to follow in Saturday's edition. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715
Publish Date: Oct 31, 2018

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2018, Nov 03, 2018