DEXTER – Vivian M. Russell, 84, died Jan. 17, 2005, at the Sebasticook Valley Hospital, after a short illness. She was born Jan. 10, 1921, at Wytopitlock, a daughter of Frank and Lala (McCormick) McGowan. During World War II, Vivian worked as a welder at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and worked many years at the Abbot Woolen Mill in Dexter. A member of the First Free Baptist Church in Dexter, she held the record in the history of the church in Sunday School attendance, either teaching or attending the adult class. She was also a member of the Ripley Extension and former member of the Sno-Devils Snowmobile Club in St. Albans. Her husband, Harold, predeceased her in 1986. After his passing, she and her mother enjoyed many winters in Florida together. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by three adopted children, a son, Richard and wife, Bonnie Russell of Worcester, Mass.; two daughters, Mary Russell of Clinton and Amy Russell of Alston, Mass.; two brothers, Clive and wife, Lorraine McGowan of Troy and Thornton McGowan of Pittsfield; a sister, Joyce and husband, James Wintle of Dexter; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at the First Free Baptist Church in Dexter with the Revs. Will Walters and Harold Wheeler officiating. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Spring burial will be in the Ferndale Cemetery, Ripley. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Free Baptist Church, P.O. Box 111, Dexter, ME 04930. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, Dexter.
VIVIAN M. RUSSELL
