Ruth Constance Russell

Ruth Constance (Connie) Cardwell Russell, 92, of Camp Springs, MD, passed away on June 5, 2020. Born on the 11th of January, 1928, in Arlington, VA; she was the youngest child of Mae Opal (Stevenson) Cardwell and Mack Cardwell. Connie was the beloved wife of the late Edward Frances Russell. She was the mother to Connie Timmons (Andy), Carol Russell (Michael Merritts), and Gail Russell. She was Momo to Sara Piddington (Gerry) and great-grandchildren, Paul and Harley. She was sister to the late Quinn Cardwell and Maxine Mattingly and half-sister to Johnny and Mac (deceased), Ginger, Rosemary, Frank, and Robert. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. From a young age, Connie knew she wanted to be a teacher and she worked that into reality with an education that spanned the colleges of Mary Washington, Wilson Teachers, and Loyola of Baltimore. She spent her career teaching special needs students in DC Public Schools, Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Calvert Counties and was nominated as Outstanding Educator in PGCPS. After retirement, she served as an advocate for families with special needs children. She was involved in organizations centered on learning, including SoMIRAC/SOMLA and was an active Sapphire Sister of 39 years in Maryland Alpha Delta Kappa Nu Chapter, an international organization for honored women educators. Connie, until recently, attended discussion groups at the Camp Springs Senior Activity Center for 20 years and swam laps at the Allentown Road Splash, Tennis, and Fitness Park for more than 30 years. She was a strong support to her partners in OA. Christ Episcopal Church, Clinton, played a pivotal role in Connie’s life. She attended for more than 60 years. She was a member of Episcopal Church Women and the choir and she consistently served on church committees and as hostess at coffee hour. Since its opening in 2009 through early 2020, she was a constant presence working at the church thrift shop. Connie had a demanding career and many interests, but she gave the best of herself to her family. She was a Girl Scout Cadet leader for 12 years. She loved sewing and reading, could cook just about anything and did not force her children to eat fried liver and onions. She balanced piano lessons, sport teams, homework, school programs and conferences, camping trips, and the interminable household tasks. She had a long, devoted relationship with “Days of Our Lives.” A memorial service will be arranged at a later date to be held at Christ Episcopal Church, Clinton, MD Memorial contributions may be made to Connie’s beloved church, Christ Episcopal Church, 8710 Old Branch Ave, Clinton, MD 20735 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ruth Constance Russell please visit our Sympathy Store.