Obituary of Deborah Ann Russell

64, Halifax, loving wife of the late Gerald "Gerry" S. Russell, passed away following a brave battle with cancer on June 24, 2013 at the QEII, VG Site, surrounded by her loving family and friends.  Born and raised in New Ross, Deborah was a daughter of the late Ralph and Birdie (Turner) Hughes.  Deborah moved to Halifax at a young age, where she and Gerry married on September 2, 1969, and made Halifax their home.  Deborah had been a dedicated and valued employee of RBC for 37 years, from where she retired in 2003. Affectionately known as Deb or Debbie to many, she will be remembered for her love of camping at South Mountain Campground, where she and Gerry had made life-long friends.  She enjoyed knitting and making rugs to share with those she loved.  Deborah will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her sisters, Lorraine Hiltz (Ron Clarke) of New Ross, and Faye Hughes (Owen Lenihan), New Ross, her brother, Richard "Butch" Hughes (Marilyn), Crousetown, NS, as well as many nieces and  nephews, and numerous cousins, whom she loved dearly.  She is also survived by many special friends, who were like family to Debbie, former colleagues of RBC and fellow campers.   She was predeceased by her parents and the love of her life, Gerry in 2011.    A special thankyou to Kingswood Residence for the exceptional care given to Deborah over the past six months, as well as her usual network of support.  Thanks also to Dr. Weider for her compassionate care, the VG 7A Palliative Care Staff, and all her other doctors and caregivers. In keeping with Deborah’s wishes, cremation has taken place under the care of JA Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, NS (477.5601) where a celebration of her life will be held on Friday, June 28th, 2013 from 5:30- 8:30 PM.  A funeral service will not be held and a private family interment will take place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, New Ross, NS.  The family would appreciate donations in memory to Canadian Cancer Society, Halifax, NS (423-6183), St. Patrick’s Cemetery Fund, PO Box 107 New Ross, NS, B0J 2M0, or VG Palliative Care Unit,  1276 South Park Street, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y9.