On Friday, October 16th, Lorna Margaret Russell (nee Boyd) passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side at the age of 86. Lorna was born on March 5, 1940, in Ottawa to Roy and Irene Boyd (nee Greer). She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Henry W. Russell, who loved and honoured her before he died in 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother Jack Boyd, sister Jean Boyd, and cousin Mary Ferguson.
Lorna was the loving mother of Heather Burns (Terry) and David Russell (Juliet). She was the cherished grandmother to Terry Jr. (Julia), Caroline (Steven), Stephen (Esin), Joshua, Bradley (Ally), and Megan (Matthew), and six great-grandchildren.
She had a wide-ranging career, interests, and influence in Ottawa. Firstly, as an elementary teacher for the Ottawa School Board. Lorna partnered with Henry in business at Musgrove Pharmacy and then became the proprietor of Lorna’s Wedding Centre where she helped Ottawa brides with their invitations and silk flower arrangements. In her later years, Lorna actively pursued her hobby of growing and showing African Violets. She became President of the Ottawa African Violets Society, in which she organized meetings and conventions in the Nation’s capital. She also became Master Judge and an international member of the African Violet Society of America. Lorna also enjoyed worldwide travel with Henry; she hosted countless family dinners and poolside get-togethers, cherished her six grandchildren, and was a devoted supporter of their educational and recreational pursuits.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 10 am in the main building at Beechwood Cemetery. A private family interment will follow. A light lunch will follow. In memory of Lorna and in lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Care Ottawa: May Court Hospice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
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