Linda A. Russell

Linda A. Russell, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and matriarch of our family peacefully passed away on June 3, 2024, after 80 years of life. She will always be remembered for her infectious smile and the joy she brought to all those she loved. Linda Russell worked at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) for over 20 years, as a supervisor in the Equipment Distribution Department and the Central Supply Department years earlier. Before her time at UMMC, she worked as a seamstress at American Waistband and other tailoring companies. She adored her work and dedicated 60 years to it, retiring at 73. Linda was so passionate about her work at UMMC that she returned part-time after retiring to help ensure the quality of emergency crash carts when requested. She understood the significance of having the right equipment available to save lives. She found fulfillment in ensuring patients had access to the equipment needed to survive. During her time at UMMC, she broke gender barriers and was initially the only woman in the equipment department. She cherished the lessons she learned while working with mostly men and the mentorship she provided to the young men she supervised. While she enjoyed working, she also treasured spending time with her family and friends, especially when traveling. She fondly remembered taking cruises to the Bahamas with her siblings, family, and friends. She also cherished special trips with her daughter Yolanda to Montreal, Canada and New Orleans; with her daughter Denice to Las Vegas; a trip to see the Rockettes in New York and a Beyonce concert with her granddaughter Tiffany, as well as an inspiring beach vacation in Mexico with her granddaughter Sherrell. She also loved going to the casino with her son-in-law and family. During these outings, we tried, often without success, so to keep up with Linda's energy as she met with new people and embraced new adventures with joy. Some of her best memories were with her sisters and best friends, in a group known as the "Speed Queens," when they hosted dance parties, went on ski trips (even though most of them didn't know how to ski), and visited the beach. Her house was the place to be for summer cookouts and Christmas celebrations. You could always expect the family to gather around for a large feast with lots of cakes. Linda enjoyed dancing at these events, and she was often seen smiling and laughing as she enjoyed her time with family, friends, and loved ones. Linda made everyone feel unique and special. She was quick to acknowledge people's strengths and was not afraid to tell the truth if it could help you improve. She was generous with her unforgettable smiles and hugs, right up until her last breath. Linda was also well known for her fashion statements and classy dressing. She insisted on looking good noting that her clothing should be nicely starched and ironed. She was known for creating a whole fashion statement by throwing in an unexpected twist or color to her attire, or her hair that would make her stand out. Whether you would see her in a perfectly ironed work uniform or a fancy dress for the dance party at the captain's dinner on the cruise, you could count on Linda showing up looking like the star of the party. Linda was a strong champion for education and believed that everyone should attain their highest educational potential. She instilled in all that would listen that education was the pathway to success and pushed all of her younger siblings, children, and grandchildren, and all she met to reach their highest educational potential. She was proud to say that from her lineage, she had many who completed degrees and other significant accomplishments that she could only imagined. These included bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, Juris Doctorate degree, book authors, business owners, managers, and even a PhD degrees. The accomplishments of her children and grandchildren also belonged to her and walking through the university halls and attending graduations brought her immense joy which she shared widely with friends and family. She had many sayings that we will not forget including saying "we don't do easy!" and "fake it to you make it!" which she would use to push you through your most difficult times. Over her 80 years, she was unrelenting in her pursuit of happiness and a better life for her children and herself. Linda Russell was born in our beloved Baltimore, Maryland on July 13, 1943, to the late Eleanor and George Duppins. She was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools. Linda married early at 17 and had five daughters who she deeply loved, Renea Adams (who preceded her in death), Michelle Johnson (Rick Johnson), Dr. Yolanda Ogbolu (Dr. Michael Ogbolu), Denice Gasque, and Suellen Gasque and through re-marriage to Lewis Russell she received additional children, Anthony Russell, Lewis Russell, Mary Arrington, and Valarie Whitaker. Her generation continues through her grandchildren including Ranada Gasque, Tiffany Alston, Sherrell Jackson, Jasmine Monroe (Michael Monroe, Jr.), Jack Adams, Jr., Michael Ogbolu Jr., Jordan Ogbolu, Anthony Russell Jr., Nicholas Russell, Braelyn Russell, and great-grandchildren, Ian Jackson, Austin Johnson, Sandy Gasque (preceded her in death), Tristen "Alex" Gasque, Savannah Monroe, Michael Monroe, III, Kaden Russell, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She shared special relationships with her siblings including George Duppins (Elizabeth Duppins), and Shirley Holliday (Alonzo Holliday): and with her siblings who preceded her death, Roger Duppins, Gwendolyn Haywood, and Mary "Cookie" Goods. She was loved by so many others including her best friends, Joanne Ross and Emma Smith who preceded her in death, and with work friends, Mr. Harvey and Rayna Holmes. She is also survived by her uncle Joseph Palmer. Linda Russell lived a very fulfilling life and understood the importance of cherishing every moment. She faced life with faith, courage, and hope. Even as she grew weary and knew her time was near; she put forth tremendous effort to say goodbye and give hugs to those close to her. She wanted us to know that everything was and would be okay, and that she was moving on to a better place in the sky where she would one day see us again. Her legacy of love, strength, hard work, faith, and pursuit of happiness will be carried on and will never be forgotten by all those whose lives she touched.

Tributes

Linda A. Russell

July 13, 1943 - June 3, 2024