WAYLAND: Charlotte Russell passed away on April 2, 2022, at the age of 91 surrounded by her family. She cheerfully fought through a long illness with charm, humor, and appreciation for all who cared for and visited her. She spent her last week with her children and their spouses, grandchildren, and caregivers. Many Russell’s employees, friends and relatives flocked to her bedside or sent messages, videos, and phone calls to say their final goodbyes. Their healing stories and fun memories brought her comfort. She heard them all, giving the occasional laugh or kiss, even in her final hours.
Charlotte was born in New Jersey and graduated from Western College for women in Ohio. She was a strong, witted women who believed in hard work. Charlotte moved to Massachusetts in the late 1950’s and became a secretary at MIT. It was on the tennis courts in Weston, where she met her husband Lewis S. Russell Jr. of Russell’s Garden Center in Wayland, MA. Charlotte was quick to join the family business, keeping all of the farmers in line with her strong bookkeeping background. Lewis and Charlotte expanded Russell’s Garden Center from a small wholesale farm stand to a large, respected retail business. Charlotte was very lucky to be able to spend her last night on earth in her home in Wayland, just across the fields from the business she worked so hard to build.
Charlotte was known for her incredible humor and competitive nature. In her teens she was a competitive water skier and then played college field hockey, but she didn’t slow down there. When she was 80 years old, she completed her first ever triathlon! She was applauded across the finish line as the oldest competitor. She loved swimming, kayaking, and skiing in Maine and Piseco New York. In Wayland, she loved attending the UU First Parish Church and playing tennis and taking water exercise classes at Longfellow sports club. Together with Lew and frequently with her family she travelled to Cape Cod, The Irondequoit Club, The Bahamas and on long road trips across the country van camping.
Charlotte leaves behind her three cherished daughters and their attentive husbands; Karen and Peter Vachon, Elizabeth and Tim Skehan and Louisa and Steve Gorrill. She also leaves her treasured grandchildren; Dan, Jay, Genevieve, Sam, Robert, Carly and husband Tom, Allie and Thomas, as well as; Carlos, her beloved caregiver of 9 years. Charlotte was a mother and advisor to many people beyond her own personal family. She was a Campfire Girl leader and her kindness and loyalty helped many people find their way to achieve their aspirations.
Visiting hours will be held at Russell’s Garden Center on Tuesday April 5th from 6:15 PM until 8:00 PM. Please park around back and enter at the big entrance sign.
Due to Covid-19, Lewis Russell’s funeral was delayed. The family will now be holding a joint Celebration of Life for both Charlotte and Lewis Russell on Saturday, June 11th, 2022 at 2 pm. The service will be held at First Parish in Wayland, 225 Boston Post Road, Wayland Center, with a reception immediately following.
Charlotte Russell was no stranger to making donations to our community and beyond. If you would like to make a donation in her memory of her to Boston NPR radio station, WBUR, feel free to Click Here
Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland. For condolences, please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com. For Charlotte’s husband Lewis Russell’s obituary Click Here