AUGUSTA – Malaka M. “Tookie” Russell, 90, of Cony Street, died Saturday, May 15, 2010, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta Campus. She was born June 6, 1919, in Philadelphia, a daughter of the late Luis A. and Malaka K. Mata. Mrs. Russell was a 1938 graduate of Haverford High School, Haverford, Pa., and attended Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pa. Her athletic career started with a professional women’s softball team in Miami where she met her husband, Jack. They were married in 1940 and settled in Norwalk, Conn., moving to Pittsfield in 1956. Tookie coached the Maine Central Institute Field Hockey team, which included, at one time or another, all three of her daughters and granddaughter, from 1958 to 1988. She was at the helm of the school’s girls’ basketball team for 22 years from 1959 to 1981 and the softball team for 29 years from 1958 to 1986. Tookie was also MCI’s interim athletic director in 1974 and 1975 – one of only two women athletic directors in the state of Maine at that time. She was actively involved with raising funds to start Pittsfield’s thriving Little League baseball program in 1958, and served as president of Pittsfield Girl Scout Council in 1960 and 1961. She was president of the Maine Women’s State Golf Association in 1977 and 1978. Other awards included Maine Coaches Association Field Hockey Coach of the Year in 1983 and Central Maine Morning Sentinel Field Hockey Coach of the Year in 1986. She was inducted into MCI’s Hall of Fame in 1986, and into Maine Coaches’ Association Honor Roll in 1992, and received MCI’s Distinguished Achievement Award in 2002. She continued to serve as an “assistant” coach from the sidelines of her great-grandchildren’s games, where she would provide sound coaching tips coupled with some common sense and encouragement. In fact, up until just a few years ago she saw her way to being the umpire at the annual family Fourth of July wiffle ball game and took great delight in calling someone out. Her competitive spirit was alive and well right up until the very last days of her life. Tookie was able to bring extra luck to any team she was coaching or supporting by spotting a four leaf clover on any field, golf course or lawn she was visiting. Malaka was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, John “Jack” Sherman Russell; one brother, Jack Mata; and two sisters, Katherine Wilkinson and Carol Harris. She is survived by three daughters, Malaka E. Russell of Augusta, Patricia R. Stevens of Augusta, and Kathryn R. Butman and her husband, Patrick, of Lebanon; three grandchildren, Vaughan H. Stevens III and his wife, Bronia, of Augusta, Holly Stevens-Davis and her husband, Sean, of Augusta, and Ethan J. Butman of Portland, Ore.; great-grandchildren, Colbi Stevens-Davis, Mackenzie L. Stevens and Haley D. Stevens, all of Augusta; as well as several very special nieces, nephews and cousins. At her request, there will be no public visiting hours or funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tookie’s memory may be made to Maine Central Institute’s Athletic Fund, 295 Main St., Pittsfield, ME 04967, as well as honoring her spirit by following her advice, “Take advantage of everything you can get a hold of, and for God’s sake, don’t give up.” Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences maybe sent through the funeral home website at www.plummerfh.com.
MALAKA M. ‘TOOKIE’ RUSSELL
