Tribute

Jessie Russell was born in Endiang Alberta March 20, 1913, she was raised on a farm and received her schooling at the one room Russell School. She went to Edmonton at the age of 18 to work as a Nanny where she met her lifetime friend Pearl who was also a Nanny. She then attended cooking school in Edmonton and became a qualified Pastry Chef and worked for the CNR. She enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and went to Toronto for basic training then to Guelph and Yorkton Saskatchewan S.F.T.S station. She worked in the bakery during the war and that was where she met her husband to be Wilf. After Jessie was discharged from the Air Force she moved back to Endiang and married Wilf Clifford after he came back from the war, they moved to Vermilion Alberta in 1945. They had two children Ken born in 1947 and Alan born in 1948. They lived in Vermilion for 14 years, then moved to Kitscoty where Wilf and Jessie operated an extended hardware business.

Jessie & Wilf retired and moved to Oliver in the early 70’s where they became an active part of the community and made many friends. Jessie was a member of the Auxillary Legion for over 50 years and worked tirelessly supporting the Legion in many branches. Jessie belonged to the A.C.W., Golden Heart Rebecah’s, Senior’s Center Craft Group, Keep Fit and worked at the Oliver Hospital Thrift shop as a volunteer for many years. She and Wilf enjoyed working at the Oliver Senior’s center cooking and serving breakfasts.

Jessie was very active physically and loved five pin bowling, lawn bowling, playing shuffle board and participating in the keep fit classes which she continued well into her nineties. Jessie and Wilf could be seen for many years walking along the Hike and Bike path in Oliver.

Jessie was predeceased by father Robert Russell in 1927, Mother Anne Russell in 1962, Sister Margret and Brother Robert in the 1960’s and husband Wilf in 2002.
She is survived by son Ken and wife Judy of McCoy Texas, Son Alan of Calgary Alberta, Grand-daughter Sheena Clifford and great grandson Kelton, one sister-in-law Ruth and husband Doug Couch and a number of nieces and nephews.
Jessie will be missed by her family and friends but we know she is at peace and with God and her husband Wilf in heaven where we all as Christians will meet again.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday November 6, 2010 at St. Edward’s Anglican Church with Reverend Patrick Reid officiating. A reception will follow in the church reception hall.
Donations gratefully accepted for Sunnybank Centre, R.R.#3, 36657 – 79th Street, Oliver, BC V0H 1tO
Condolences & tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver, Osoyoos, BC.