Donna M. (Ferland) Russell

Donna Marie (Ferland) Russell, born on November 15, 1940, in Worcester, Massachusetts, was a beacon of love and compassion who touched the lives of many with her unwavering support and courage. Her life was a testament to the Catholic verse, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). Her love knew no bounds, extending to those she knew and even those she met in passing.

Donna's journey led her from Worcester to Gardner, Massachusetts. A graduate of Saint Peter's High School in Worcester, she found great joy working as a Bookkeeper/Controller for the Abodeely Insurance Agency until her retirement in 2002. Yet, her most cherished role was being a loving wife to Elliott, a supportive mother to their children, and a doting grandmother. Donna had the unique ability to turn the simplest moments into unforgettable memories, whether it was traveling with Elliott to their beloved Aruba, baking cherished family recipes, crafting, attending her grandchildren's events, or merely gathering with family and friends. She believed that what mattered most was family time together and making memories, a principle she embodied fully.

Donna leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion in her daughters, Lisa Nalewski with her husband Richard and Laurie Flannery with her husband Francis, all of Westminster, Ma; and her son, Kevin Russell with his wife Sherry of Uxbridge, Ma; and her grandchildren, Andrew and Peter Nalewski, John, Samuel, and Allison Flannery, and Addison Russell. Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty years, Elliott Russell; her parents, Phillip Ferland and Lillian Ferland Butler, her stepfather Emmett Butler; and her cherished brother, Ronald Ferland.

We invite everyone who knew Donna to share their memories and upload photos to the memorial page at www.mackfamilyfh.com to keep her spirit alive in our hearts. 

Please join us in honoring her life on Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 5:00-7:00PM at Mack Family Funeral Homes Gardner - Chapel, 105 Central Street, Gardner. 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 10:00AM at Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols St., Gardner, MA with a burial to follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave, Paxton, MA.

Directors Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Dan Serina will be overseeing the proceedings. 

As we remember Donna, let us celebrate her life and the love she shared so freely. She was not just the best mom and grandmother; she was a beacon of love that will forever illuminate our lives.