Doris Louise Russell, 66, of Damariscotta, passed away peacefully on the evening of Oct. 25 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born on Sept. 25, 1949 in South Bristol, she was the daughter of Robert and Constance (Jones) Sproul.
Doris grew up in South Bristol, attending local schools and Bristol High School. She graduated from the University of Maine in Gorham, with a degree in teaching. While in school, and following graduation, she worked for many years at Pine Grove Restaurant in Damariscotta.
She started her teaching career at the Franklin School in Newcastle, before moving to Great Salt Bay Community School when it opened in Damariscotta. In 1982, she married Christopher Russell and they eventually moved away from the area for a couple years. Upon moving back, she went to work at South Bristol School, where she retired from after 29 total years of teaching.
Doris loved being outdoors, and could often be seen working on her yard and in her garden. She loved to make jam, and pickles, and was an avid knitter. She volunteered at the Miles Memorial Thrift Shop, and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and was a member of the Miles Memorial Hospital League. She loved the water and Pemaquid Point, and walked in the local breast cancer walk for 15 years.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Chris Russell.
She is survived by daughter, Lisa Boucher and husband Kent of Bristol; granddaughters, Kayla and Ashley Martin; brothers, James Phillips and family of Damariscotta, and Robert Sproul Jr. and family of Walpole; sister, Mary Ellen Ricker and family of Damariscotta; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Doris’ life will be held at 2 p.m., Sun., Nov. 1 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A reception will follow the service at the 1812 Farm in Bristol. She will be laid to rest privately in the West Bristol Cemetery in Walpole.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
