Laura Lillian Russell

ENOSBURG FALLS – On the early morning of April 12, 2022, we lost an amazing woman Laura Russell. She loved us with her whole heart. Laura was born on her family farmhouse in Georgia, VT, on March 1, 1949, to the late William and Myrtle (Wagner) Murray. She moved to Sheldon at the age of three, where she worked on the family farm, enjoying the land, and helping with her siblings.

She met the love of her life as a teenager when his family moved up the road just across the town line in Franklin. She would often tell the story of how they met. Charley's dog had run off and ended up at her house. Charley would chime in with how he tended to let the dog loose often, knowing his beloved companion would make his way to her home. This gave him a reason to visit as love would have it Charley and Laura married on January 21, 1967. Laura followed Charley to Germany while in the service, and they lived there for two years. Later they moved to Franklin, VT. In 1971 Laura had her daughter Connie whom she loved with all her being. They had an incredible bond and enjoyed camping, gardening, dining out, and going to the casino. Laura never felt more blessed than when she became a grandmother to her four amazing grandkids, Jordon, Chas, Chelsey, and Samantha. She was very proud of them and never missed a concert or event. 

Laura was a giving person; she worked at a nursing home and did countless hours of respite for the disabled. She had a way with animals and always fed the wildlife in her yard, like the friendly chipmunks that would sit on her lap eating peanuts. Then, in 2020 Laura was diagnosed with cancer; she didn't shed a tear; she said this was a battle she'd need to stay vital for, and she gave it all and beat the odds and had two more years making beautiful memories with her family. Christmas was Laura's favorite time, the family, fun, joy, and laughter.

Laura is not only survived by her husband, daughter, grandkids, and her daughter's partner, whom she adored Maurice Culver II. Her older sister Doris wrote to her all through COVID cheering her on through her battle with cancer. Her baby brother Gary called and texted her daily, telling her not to give up. She had two additional brothers, Henry and James, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved and constantly checked up on her. Laura is also survived by her loving in-laws Burr and Joanne and their children, Clayton's children, Ruby's daughter, and many great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters; Virginia, Diane, brother Danny, son Charley II, father-in-law Charley Sr., mother-in-law Isabelle, sister In-law Ruby, and three brothers-in-law Clayton, Louis, and Glendon, and grandson Justin.

The family would like to thank all caring staff who took care of Laura during her battle with cancer, her angels on earth, she would say. They would also like to thank Rhonda, Jane, and Karen for the constant love and of course little Sophie too.

In respecting Laura’s wishes, her family will be holding a private life celebration on Monday, April 18, 2022, at 11:00 am. Friends and family are invited to attend virtually by visiting The Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home Facebook page on Monday at 11:00 am.

For those who wish, donations in Laura’s memory may be made to Bayada Home Health Care, 600 Blair Park Road, Suite 300, Williston, VT 05495.

Goss Life Celebration Homes is the area’s exclusive provider of Life Celebration events. Please visit our website to share condolences, photos, and favorite memories at www.gossfs.com