Frances Russell, 85, of Round Pond, passed away peacefully on July 8 with BJ and Lori by her side. Fran was born on Nov. 27, 1928 to Gladys Creamer Alley and Ernest Alley of South Bristol. Fran grew up in Mid Coast Maine; her fondest memories were of her younger life in Cushing.
Fran married John Delong of Woolwich in 1947. Her son Sidney Delong was born and six years later they moved to Florida, where they resided for three years. In 1954 Fran and Sid returned to Maine where Fran owned and operated Alfran’s Hideaway in Nobleboro with her sister-in-law, Alberta.
On Sept. 17, 1956 Fran married the love of her life, Bill Russell of Damariscotta, who predeceased her by just 18 days. Fran and Bill lived in North Newcastle where their son and daughter, BJ and Jill, were born.
On a Sunday afternoon family drive in the summer of 1965 they drove through Round Pond where Fran spied King Ro Manor and set her sights on owning it. The family moved there in 1966. Fran had to devise a way to make that 16-room house pay for itself. She accomplished this by establishing a veterans’ boarding home which she operated for 30 years. Over the years Fran cared for many vets with each and every one of them being treated like family.
In 1969 Fran was instrumental, along with fellow Round Pond friends, in establishing The Helping Hands, which is still in existence today. The Helping Hands’ purpose is to give aid and help to anyone in need in Round Pond. The Helping Hands started the decades-old tradition of the baked bean suppers held in the village. Along with her work in the community Fran also was passionate about gardening and quilting.
Along with her loving husband Bill, Fran was also predeceased by her beloved brother, Lewis Alley, and sister-in-law, Jane Alley who was one of Fran’s best friends.
Fran is survived by her sons, Sidney Delong and wife Cynthia of Buxton, and BJ Russell and wife Lori Crook of Round Pond; daughter, Jill Daviero of South Portland; grandchildren, Leigh Russell, Paige Russell, Brett Delong, and Patrick Delong; two great-grandsons; and half-sister, Carol Emery.
In lieu of flowers, Fran requested that memorial donations be made to The Helping Hands, PO Box 114, Round Pond, ME 04564.
There will be a celebration of Fran and Bill’s life and adventures from 4-6 p.m., Sat., July 26 at 53 Back Shore Rd. in Round Pond. Please park at the Padebco boatyard storage on Route 32, where a shuttle will be provided.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories page www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.
