Obituary of Janice Lee Russell

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mom Janice Lee Russell on December 19, 2023. She is survived by her sons, Stephen Russell and James Russell. Daughters Jill Gaffney and Wendy Russell. Her grandchildren Cameron, Ashley, and Emma Russell. Jennifer Wells and Robert Gaffney. Her great Grandchildren Larry and Angel Wells. Her Son in Law Robert Gaffney and her daughter-in-law Shelley Russell. Janice was predeceased by her husband James Russell, Son Jeffrey Russell, Sister Jeanne Winkler, mother Dorothy Brackett and Father Jed Brackett. Our mom was one of the pioneers of Lake Havasu along with her husband James. They were one of the many people that were flown into Lake Havasu to buy land and move their families to Lake Havasu back in the 1970’s. She was known for her hospitality; our house was the house to be at not only for her amazing cooking but making her home feel comfortable and open to all. Yes, she was that mom that made yellow Tupperware bowls full of spaghetti and food galore, but man, she made the biggest mess in the kitchen. She was the first restaurant and events manager of the London Bridge Resort when it first opened and hired both her daughters and many of their friends to launch the opening of the restaurant inside the resort. She later went on to work for the State of Arizona alongside her best buddy Jeanne Steele. Boy oh boy, the two of them in the same room you could hear laughs miles away. It was recently that we shared the news of Jeanne’s passing by with Mom. She created many great memories with family, extended family, and the many friends she made along the way. We are reminded by her passing that when someone you love becomes a memory, the memories become treasures. My family cannot thank the staff and owner of Serenity Assisted Living for the love and care they gave to our mom. Julie and her staff are amazing and know that Mom felt at home in your home.