Obituary of Alice Joyce RUSSELL

Alice Joyce Russell (Née Shunock)

Peacefully on Sunday, August 13th, 2023, in her home in Orangeville, Alice Russell passed away in her 96th year surrounded by her family.

Alice was the beloved wife of John ("Johnny") Russell for nearly 72 years. Treasured mother of Karen (Stephen Orme), Linda (Barb Ball), and Laurie (Brian Heimbecker). Cherished Granny of Evan (Rubi), Kalen (Becky), Christine (Justin), Alyssa, Emma (Mitch), Jono, and Alex (Emily). Proud Great-Granny of Audrey, Brynlee, Anna, and Hudson. Fondly remembered by her brother Michael (Anne) Shunock, nephew Michael (Brenda) Waddell, niece Debbie (Doug) Curry, and their families. She will be missed by many caring friends and neighbours.

Alice was always a force to be reckoned with! From an early age, she radiated vitality, energy, humour, and determination. Alice loved people and always made them feel cherished.

Alice Joyce Shunock came into this world November 26th, 1927, in Montreal. She was born to Ukrainian parents and had three younger siblings, Gladys, Michael, and Raymond. As a young girl, Alice moved from Montreal to Ottawa, Saskatoon, and then Toronto. Growing up (and all her life) she loved singing, sports, and attending church. As President of Carmen United Young People, she happily greeted John Russell as a new member... and so their love story began, blossoming for over 75 years! Alice was happiest when with her Johnny!

Married in 1951, they set up their Dental Practice in Orangeville on Broadway. Karen came along, followed by their "8-pound baby boy," twins Linda and Laurie - surprise!! Alice said that her favourite time of her life was when she was raising her little girls, and she was always her girls' most encouraging coach and mentor!

John and Alice designed their home and dental office on 19 McCarthy Street. In 1959, they moved in and loved being there ever since. Alice concentrated on raising her girls, assisting John in his office, and as his bookkeeper.  As their family grew with the addition of partners, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many pups, her loving devotion to her family grew. All her family members were deeply valued and loved by Alice.

Alice and John bowled, curled, skied, played tennis, entertained, and took family holidays together. They enjoyed several cruises, bus trips, and trips to Europe.

Attending church was very important to Alice; she was a faithful member of Westminster United Church for over 70 years! Alice and John were passionate about serving in our community with the Rotary Club. Alice volunteered for over 40 years as a Hospital Auxiliary member, and for 45 years she volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Few could match Alice's work ethic, stamina, and enthusiasm. Like her mom, Alice loved to work in her garden. She took great joy in keeping an immaculate home and providing healthy meals. Despite being the wife of a dentist, Alice loved her sweets, especially butter tarts! None of us ever knew where she hid her chocolates!

Alice sang with the Just Friends Singers, volunteered with John in her daughters' classrooms, and she played the piano for the Dufferin Festival of the Arts and for Christmas carolling at school.

Granny taught her grandchildren how to clean like a pro and cook like a chef. Loving winter, Granny demonstrated how to be a goalie with a broom and how to cross-country ski down "Ross' Revenge!" She showed them how to swing a tennis racquet like her beloved Roger Federer and how to sing and dance like Fred Astaire!

Our Alice - such a living presence! An inspiration to us all!

The Celebration of Life will take place at Westminster United Church on Thursday August 31, 2023, at 12:00pm. 247 Broadway, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z5. A live stream of the service will be provided.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service time at 11:00am.

You are invited to join the family after the service for refreshments and fellowship in the lower level of the church.

Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 3:00pm. 12 Cemetery Road, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z1.

Memorial donations, gratefully accepted in memory of Alice, and may be made to the Westminster United Church Music Program or to the Headwaters Health Care Foundation. 

Online condolences can be made at www.imfunerals.com

In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Russell family.