BRUNSWICK — Irma Caldwell Russell, 94, died on Jan. 23 at Mid Coast Hospital.

She was born Nov. 16, 1917 in Starks and was the youngest of four children born to Roy and Idea Caldwell. She attended schools in Starks and Madison.

She married Donald Wayne Newell and they lived in Connecticut and Maine, settling in Auburn in 1953 where they raised their two sons. After her husband died in 1958, Russell met and married Howard Russell in 1964. They continued to live in Auburn and she worked as a waitress and later as a dental assistant. They moved around the country following Howard’s job as a salesman for Wise Potato Chips; after his death she moved to Topsham to be closer to her family.

As a young girl, Russell and her family were active in The Grange in Starks where she developed a love of dancing. She grew up on a small family farm and had a lifelong love of animals. While living at The Highlands, she would walk next door to the Topsham Fairgrounds during the week of the fair and watch the draft horses and steers as they were being groomed, talking to their owners over the fence. She also had a special love for her cat, Angie, who lived with her for 17 years.

Russell was predeceased by her first husband Donald Newell; second husband Howard Russell; son Barry Newell; sister Minerva Buzzell and two brothers Weldon Caldwell and Everett Caldwell. She is survived by her son Jeffrey Newell and his wife JoAnn of Durham; daughter-in-law Alma Newell of Gorham; grandchildren Donna Hodge of Portland, Evan Newell and his fiance Krista Lewandowski of Philadelphia, Pa. and Allison Huppe of Winchester, Mass.; one great-grandchild Ava Huppe; sister-in-law Doris Caldwell of Anson; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Visiting hours were held on Jan. 27 at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick and were immediately followed by a memorial service. A special reception for Russell’s friends will be held Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m. in the living room of the Main Lodge at The Highlands.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to The Highlands Resident Assistance Fund, 30 Governors Way, Topsham, ME 04086 or Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, ME 04011.

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