Cynthia Russell

BRADFORD — Cynthia B. Russell, 80, formerly of Bristol, N.H., died Friday, Sept. 16, 2005 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. She was born May 18, 1925 in Portland, Maine. In 1928, she was adopted by John H. and Edith (Remington) Bates.

She graduated in 1942 from Woburn High School in Woburn, Mass., and also from the University of Maine at Farmington with a teaching degree. She received her Masters Degree in Education from Plymouth State University, Plymouth, N.H.

She was a special education teacher at Laconia High School, Laconia, N.H. for 17 years, retiring in 1994. She had lived in Bristol for many years and had also lived in Kingston, N.Y. and Gilford, N.H.

She enjoyed the computer, loved to read, do crossword puzzles and also collected stuffed toys. She loved animals, especially cats, and was the ultimate football fan of all teams.

She was a member of the New Hampshire Humane Society, Past Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge of Whitinsville, Mass. in 1957-58 and a member of the Ideal Rebekah Lodge #70 of South Royalton.

Survivors include a son, Stephen B. Russell of Swanzey, N.H.; two daughters: Karen Soule of Bristol, N.H.; and Susan Russell of Bradford; four grandchildren: Stephanie Soule Lesperance, Jonathon Megas-Russell, Andrew Megas-Russell and Melissa "Missy" Belanger. She cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Jane Russell Belanger in 1991.

Calling hours were held Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home in Laconia, N.H. Services were Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the funeral home. Burial followed in Oakland Cemetery, Meredith, N.H.

Donations may be made to the New Hampshire Humane Society PO Box 572, Laconia, N.H. 03247-0572 or to the Ideal Rebekah Lodge #70 of South Royalton, Vt. 05068.

The Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. 03246 was in charge of the arrangements.

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