Helen Ethel (Odegaard) Russell

Helen Odegaard Russell, born in Bogota, NJ, on December 30, 1927, passed away on June 1, 2024, in Niantic, CT after a brief illness. 

Helen graduated from Bogota High School in New Jersey as a member of the National Honor Society. She attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, graduating in 1949. After graduation, she took a three-month bicycle, boat and train tour of Norway, Denmark, Germany, Holland, France and England, including studying at the University of Oslo.

Helen raised her children in Middletown. She also lived in Saco ME, Greenfield, Plymouth and Marshfield MA and Portland CT, spending her final years in Niantic. She was always active within her community. Helen had numerous jobs including MARC, Wesleyan University, Aetna as well as selling real estate. She loved following UConn Basketball, the Patriots and the Red Sox.

Helen leaves behind her four children Beth Russell Campo and Norman of Barre, VT, Cathy Russell Pleines of Marshfield, MA, Andy Russell and Pam of Old Lyme, CT, and Debbie Russell Smith and Andy of Woodbury, CT, as well as eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by parents Arthur Erling Odegaard and Nellie Olsen Odegaard, brother Arthur Odegaard and son in-law Daniel Pleines.

Calling hours will be Monday, June 10 at 10:00 am with a service at 11:00 am at Doolittle

Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown, CT. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National MS Society. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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