Obituary of Mary Russell

Mary Louise Russell, 70, passed away Sunday, July 2, 2023 peacefully at her home surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch, with a service to follow from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Mary was born April 15, 1953, in Omaha, Nebraska the daughter of Dominic and Emma (Webb) Maniccia. On November 7, 1970 she was united in marriage to Steve Russell at the Riverside Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Iowa.

Mary graduated from Clinton Community College in 1988 and the University of Iowa in 1993. She was a middle school math teacher.

Mary loved spending time with her grandchildren, children, nieces and nephews, siblings, and other family members. She had a great love of music and song and created many special songs for her children and grandchildren. She loved to hear and share stories about her family that made her laugh. She had a wonderfully contagious sense of humor. Her unconditional love and compassion for her loved ones will forever be missed.

Mary is survived by her children: Bill (Melissa) Russell, Jay (Jo Bear) Russell, Jennifer (Tom) Kubly, eleven granddaughters: Kristin Russell, Hannah (Dakota) Even, Madison (Matt) McIlrath, Morgan (Bryce) Brown, Mackenzie Russell (Andrew Kerkove), Allison Russell, Mykayla Russell, Mariah Russell, Mia Russell, Madison Bear and Parker Bear, three great-grandchildren Brylee, Kade, Kobi Kerkove, many beloved nieces and nephews, four sisters: Nora Woodin, Marcia Klinkner, Paula (Larry) Bird, Angie (Dave) Duvall, four brothers: Randy Maniccia, Jerry (Mary) Maniccia, Jon (Bebe) Maniccia, Steve (Abby) Maniccia, and sister-in-law Mary (Don) Maniccia. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents,her brother Don Maniccia, and a grandson Spirit.

The family would like to thank Iowa City Hospice for their caring support.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.