Geraldine Fern Carney Russell

Russelll North East, MD-Geraldine Fern Carney Russell Died December 24, 2005 after a ten year struggle with cancer. Born April 27, 1919 in Strawn, Kansas, she grew up on a small farm with her parents William and Blanche Carney and her nine brothers and sisters. Ashe rode a white horse to school and played on the women's basketball team. After graduation she sought her fortune in Chicago, where she enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to Washington DC, ultimately as Chief Petty Officer to Admiral Chester Nimitz. One day while walking in downtown Washington DC, she turned her head at the sound of a sailor's whistle, and met her would-be husband of 60 years. Geraldine and H.T. were married April 27, 1946 and after WWII moved back to North East to build their life together. Geraldine, of Irish heritage, was a homemaker with a gift for telling stories, an awesome cook, a lover of books, cats, old coins and sports, and most of all a fierce advocate for her six vhildren. After the family was grown, she used her gift with children as a library aide at Bay View Elementary School for 15 years. A community activist, she served on the Board of Elections, was a Democratic Party stalwart and member of the Women's Democratic Club, a tireless PTA member, a Friend of the Library and a devotee of all things historical. Surviving are her husband, H.T. Russell, their sex children and spouses John Debbie, Dennis Lynda, Rebecca Bob, Sarah Marty, Tom, Bridget Alex, 14 grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, her sisters Nellie and Georgia, brother John and many beloved nieces and nephews. The viewing will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Crouch Funeral Home. A Mass for Christian Burial will be held December 29, 2005 at Saint Jude Mission Church. Graveside services at Bay View Cemetery will be follwoed by a reception at Holiday Inn Express, North East, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvert Manor's scholarship fund or the Friends of the Library. Arraingments by Crouch Funeral Home. For condolences visit www.crouchfuneralhome.com