Karen Elena Russell
September 25, 1942 ~ November 15, 2016
Karen Elena Russell passed away on November 15, 2016 at her home in Leonardtown, MD, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Born on September 25, 1942 in Chicago, IL, she was the daughter of the late Russell V. Quam and Shirley W. Quam. Karen is survived by her husband of 54 years, Leon B. Russell and children: Kimberly R. Hargrave (Dan) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Kyle R. Russell (Julia) of Leonardtown, MD, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Kirsten N. Russell. Siblings include Jim Quam (Cathy) of Eagle, ID, Randy Dunkelbarger (Deanna) of Chandler, AZ and Roy Dunkelbarger (Christy) of Fountain Hills, AZ.
Karen lived in southern Maryland since 1971. She was an artist for more than 40 years. In 1986, she was one of the founding members of the North End Gallery in Leonardtown, MD, where she exhibited her paintings and dyed silk scarfs. In addition, she taught art lessons at her studio and led a group of fellow artists each year for 25 years to the eastern shore of Maryland for a week of painting.
The family will hold a “celebration of Karen’s life” at 2PM on December 12, 2016 at Belmont Farm, 24079 Budds Creek Road (Rt. 234). Clements, MD 20624. In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions to Hospice of St. Mary’s P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650 and North End Gallery, 41652 Fenwick Street Leonardtown, MD 20650 or a Cancer Charity.
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Lee, Kim, and Kyle, we are sending hugs to each of you. Love, Sally and Bill
A lovely lady that will be greatly missed by all.
RIP Karen
Karen, I will miss you so. The last thing you said to me was to thank me for giving her son, our Julia. I was so moved. Lee, Kim and Kyle, you all are in my prayers for healing and the knowledge that your Karen/Mom is happy in Heaven and watching over us all. I’m here for you all if ever you need anything. Love you all.
We will miss your sweet presence.You were a great neighbor and a wonderful artist. We will always remember you when we see that adorable cat picture on the bedroom wall.
Our condolences and sympathy to the family in this difficult time.
Dear Lee,
I am deeply saddened. Karen was a special , dear friend — we shared happy memories of our trip to Turkey–I still have the pretty watercolor she gave me in Istanbul– and our special dnner in Alexsndria with the 2 of you and my
daughter Lora— she so enjoyed meeting you both. I loved her wondeful comments on face book.-
You are greatly in my thoughts and I wish I could be with you for the memorial .
With fond regards
Barbara
Lee,
Our sincerest sympathy. Karen was a wonderful woman who lived life as it should be done. We are here for you at any time.
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Mike and Barbara
Lee and family,
Karen was a wonderful person and a good friend. She left this world with many wonderful mementos- her art. Please let me know, if I can do anything for you.
Dear Lee
The neighbourhood will not be the same without her, our lives were enriched by having her in them, and we’re so glad to have memories that include her and your family. We’ll miss her laughter, her wicked sense of humour and her quick repartee. She made our life in SoMD more fun than we ever thought possible. Thank You.
Love Shaz and Pete
XX
Lee,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. Prayers of comfort to you and your family.
God bless you.
Lee, Kim and family,
It is with a heavy heart that we send our sincerest thoughts to your family. Karen always created a ray of sunshine wherever she went, with warmth and friendliness. Kim, may your mom’s light forever shine through you and your children. Lee, hold onto the love that surrounds you and know we are with you in spirit.