Gloria Jane (Delano) Russell, 69, of Whitefield, passed away on Feb. 28 surrounded by family at Graybirch Nursing Home in Augusta after a long illness.
Gloria was born on Aug. 4, 1948 to Osborn and Ona (Palosky) Delano. After graduating from Wiscasset High School, she worked many jobs and volunteered in many places, but the thing she did best and loved most was helping people. Her heart was her greatest strength. Over the years she opened the home she shared with her husband to countless young men and women who were looking for a safe haven and cared for them for days or years with love, patience, humor, and encouragement. She volunteered her time in hospitals, schools, and community venues, and always made time to listen when someone needed to talk.
She spent the last eight years in the Graybirch Long-Term Care Facility declining from a rare neurological disorder that eroded her ability to move and communicate, but she would light up at the sight of visitors, and enjoyed participating in the trips out for ice cream or picnics that were coordinated by the facility activities and wellness department.
She was predeceased by husband, David Russell; parents, Osborn and Ona Delano; brother, Osborn Delano Jr.; and great-nephew, Joseph Delano.
She is survived her son, James Russell and wife Kim, her children Erinn Caraway and husband Mike and their children MacKenzie, Bailey, Alex, Drew, and Colby; and Justin Ramsey and his children Ava and Alia; her daughter, Lynnette (Russell) Conroy and husband Daniel and their son Quinn; brother, David Delano and wife Edna, his daughter Kelly Thibodeau, and their children Charles Green Jr., Dawn Lear, Edna Dodge, and David C.D. Delano; brother, Luke Delano and partner Mary, and her son Jacob; niece, Julie Delano; as well as myriad aunts, uncles, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.
A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m., Sat., March 10 at the Sheepscot Valley Community Church in Whitefield, followed by a refreshment potluck downstairs. A graveside service will be announced in spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations towards services and gift to the Graybirch Long-Term Care Activities and Wellness Department can be sent to L. Conroy, 129 Pittston Rd., Whitefield, ME 04353.
