Susan M. Russell

Susan Russell, 57, of Clifton was surrounded by her loving family when she passed into eternal life on April 14, 2018 after a long illness. She was a lifelong resident of Clifton receiving her sacraments at St Andrew the Apostle Church and after graduating from Clifton High School she attended college at Bergen Community and William Paterson focusing on Early Childhood Development. She was the beloved wife of Curtis Russell for more than 35 years. Surviving are her children, Brandon and his wife Kari, Jessica and her husband Thomas Steele and Sean and his wife Natalia, one loving grandchild Jack. She was predeceased by her father Jack Reilly and she is survived by her mother Margaret Reilly, brothers Tim Reilly and his partner Bruce Lasko and William Reilly as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Susan started a successful career in banking and then stayed home to focus on raising her three children Brandon, Jessica and Sean until they started Preschool where she worked as an assistant Teacher for many years. For the next 25+ years Susan worked as an office manager at Audiology and Hearing in Clifton developing friendships with both staff and patients. Susan was involved as a volunteer for many years with the Jr. Mustangs Cheerleading squad traveling to many National championships and was also very involved with the Clifton Ice Hockey Booster Club serving as treasurer for two years and receiving recognition for her contributions. She loved the game of ice hockey that all of her children played and traveled with her husband, a coach of for the Jersey Penguins travel hockey team, to many games and tournaments throughout the US and Canada and later worked as a volunteer for several professional minor league hockey teams in New York and New Jersey.
When not rooting for the New Jersey Devils, her favorite NHL Hockey team, she was a huge lifelong NY Mets Fan, evidenced by NY Mets license plates, memorabilia and attendance at many home and away games including the World Series.
Susan was parishioner at St. Paul RC church where her children all received their confirmations and later became a parishioner at St. Philip the Apostle Church, Clifton, NJ. She was a loving, and selfless person who cared deeply for family and was a true friend to many.
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation for these wonderful health care providers who cared for Susan during her time of need.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Provided amazing care for Susan as she fought a rare cancer
Chilton Memorial Hospital: The care and professionalism provided by the staff in the emergency room, ICU and secondary care was unparalleled.
Hospice of NJ: Great people who helped care for Susan in her final weeks providing everything she needed and more.
Funeral will be Monday, April 23, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Philip the Apostle RC Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton. Please meet at church. Private cremation to follow.