Obituary of Mary L. Russell

North Cohocton – Mary L. Russell, 92 years of age, passed away Wednesday morning, April 6, 2022 at her home. Mary was born December 7, 1929 in Dansville the daughter of Walter and Bernice (Wittig) Dries. Mary and Tom Russell were married July 22, 1950 at St. Joseph’s Church in Wayland and celebrated over 71 loving years together prior to Tom passing away in January of this year. Mary and Tom lived in North Cohocton their entire life together. Mary’s employment spanned a few different areas. She started out at as a film developer at Niles Studio; worked as a secretary at Richmond’s Garage and as a librarian at the Atlanta Library. However Mary’s dedication was to her family. She was a beloved homemaker and housewife. Mary’s hobbies were many. She loved to dance, especially square dancing; she enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, canning and helped with the remodel projects at her home. She cooked the annual Atlanta Fireman’s Banquet meal for many years; was a member of the Rosary Society; the Republican Club; a Girl Scout and Brownie leader; and a member of the Cohocton election board. Beyond all of this though, Mary cherished her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary is pre-deceased by her parents, Walter and Bernice Dries; her husband, Thomas Russell; her daughter, Margaret Wagner; her son-in-law John Bartholomay; close friend of the family, James Vogt; and her brother, John Dries. She survived by her children, Teresa Russell of Dansville, Becky Moore of Naples, Annette (Philipp) Riesenberger of Atlanta, Tim (Robin) Russell of OH and Mark (Donna) Russell of Naples; 11 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nephews and nieces; and her caregivers, Mary Lou, Liz, Carol, Tina and Dr. Ahmed. Mary’s family and friends are invited to her Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday April 9, 2022 at 10am at St. Joseph’s Church, 206 Fremont St., Wayland. Interment will take place immediately following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Wayland. Mary's funeral service can be viewed live at https://youtu.be/j98V8nYVXyU Contributions in memory of Mary L. Russell may be made to the Vincent House, 310 Second Avenue, Wayland, NY 14572 or to St. Jude’s Children Research, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.