Marguerite Lorraine Russell passed away peacefully at the Gov. Juan Luis Hospital on Jan. 27 after a valiant battle with lung disease. Before moving to St. Croix, “Muggs,” as she was also known, worked as a registered nurse in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Denver, Colorado and Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was born on May 21, 1930 and died on Jan. 27, 2013.
She was drawn to the Virgin Islands after taking a wind jammer cruise that included a stop at St. Croix. After returning to Minneapolis, she and her close friend Barb chose to return to the island where she began her new career as a nurse in Frederiksted. Later she worked on the surgical unit at Charles Harwood Hospital in Christiansted.
She then accepted a position with Hess Oil as an industrial nurse. She took great pride in helping injured workers while working with Hess, often escorting them off island for treatment if needed. She truly loved her job and retired in 1985.
It was in Christiansted that she met and married the love of her life, Weston Theodore Russell, in 1975. The two loved the island, with Weston managing several hotels and restaurants and Marguerite working at the refinery.
Marguerite has always cherished the close friends on the island who have made living here so great. Some friends have left the island but they continue to communicate frequently. During her time of illness she truly appreciated the visits and help offered to her. She was a strong person and would always give freely of her time.
She had a special love for any dog. A dog would always bring a smile to her face. She also loved the many sugar birds which would come to her feeders. She especially loved her home, flower gardens and fruit trees in Queen’s Quarter.
She was predeceased by her husband in 2001, brother, Robert, in 1995 and sister, Georgina, in 2007.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Delsie Cumming; a niece, Linda (Rod Plumridge); two nephews: Jim Cumming (Marnie) and Don Cumming (Mags); and seven great nieces and nephews. She also had a special bond with Corretta Russell.
A small gathering of Marguerite’s close friends will take place to celebrate her life.
Professional Funeral Services Entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home Inc. Located at 6AA La Grande Princesse Telephone: 718-8663 Fax: 718-8661
