Catharine Elaine Russell

Catharine Elaine Russell (née Falls), aged 99 (and a half!), passed away on July 21, 2025, in Orillia

Preceded in death by her husband and dance partner, Wharton D. Russell (Rusty), her parents Ethel and Lorne Secord Falls, and sister Georgina Falls.

Survived by her daughter Ellen Dale, and partner Hilary Armstong.

Catharine (or more typically, MRS RUSSELL) was a swanky dresser: always pearls, dress and matching heels and purse. Mink coat if weather permits. In World War 2, she was likely the only woman in such fashionable attire as she chauffeured her dad to industrial sites where he was solving glitches with military vehicles and armaments. When her grandparents’ farm was suddenly short labourers at harvest time, mom volunteered to drive the tractor in her finely tailored suit (although she did compromise enough to take off the heels, just that once).

She graduated from University of Toronto in history in 1949, and taught history in Windsor for several years. In 1956 she married the guy who came to play bridge at her university residence (although Dad clearly did not know much about bridge).

Mom had a vocabulary that rivals the dictionary, and water-skiers who came to her breakfast table left with some grammatical fine-tuning. I’m told their mothers warned those skiers to mind their table manners.

She took great joy in feeding others, and in supporting my Dad and myself. She read to me constantly until I figured out how to do this magical activity myself, and until very recently she could still recite the more obscure Dr. Seuss books and Shakespeare’s sonnet 29.

Her last years were made infinitely happier thanks to the inspired care of her devoted PSWs, Rafa Pulma and Gie Treshan. No one could hope for a better sendoff than to be lavished with their care.

Special thank you to all the staff of Leacock Retirement Lodge for their ongoing care.

Given her frequent claim that she did not want a big funeral, we will have a simple reception at Mundell Funeral Home from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, Thursday July 31.

Do bring your stories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mariposa House Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to the Mundell Funeral Home (705)325-2231.