Bernice “Bonnie” Russell

Bernice “Bonnie” Russell, 81, of Cranberry Township., formerly of Potter and North Sewickley Townships., passed away on Sunday July 8, 2018 at UPMC Passavant Hospital.She was born on June 20, 1937 in South Beaver Township, the daughter of the late Herbert and Bernice Cowan. Bonnie met her future husband, the late Thomas Russell, in the library at Geneva College in Beaver Falls.  The couple were married on September 3, 1955 at New Salem Presbyterian Church in Ohioville.   Mr. Russell passed away in 2013.  Mrs. Russell was the co-owner and office manager for Electrical Specialties in Ellwood City before eventually retiring as an administrator and technical support person for Hussey Copper in Leetsdale. She was very active as a board member and Counselor with Contact Beaver County for more than 30 years.Additionally, she was a member and a Deacon at Mt. Carmel Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa and a former 4-H leader.

Mrs. Russell was the last surviving sibling of an exceptional and closely-knit farming family in South Beaver Twp. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by all of her siblings: 5 brothers: James and Robert Cowan along with 3 infant brothers; and 5 sisters: Virginia Sweitzer, Phyllis Paul, Thelma Musgrave, Dorothy Myers and Margaret Mason.

Mrs. Russell is survived by her 3 children: Chris (Leigh) Russell, Cranberry Twp.; Jeff Russell, Reno, NV; and Laura Russell, Port Allegany, PA; 4 grandchildren: Jonathan Russell, Richmond, VA; Michael Russell, Austin, TX, Tracy Russell-Beck, Raleigh, NC; and Karen Coughlin, Charlotte, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 14,2018 at 11 am at the Mt. Carmel Evangelical Presbyterian Church. 2720 Brodhead Rd. Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Carmel Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s Building fund.

Huntsman Funeral Home of Aliquippa is entrusted with the arrangements.