Jenny Russell (nee Todd)

Jenny lived her life in the service of others. She was a wonderful mother, and supportive wife. She was athletic, loved to cook and entertain, and she volunteered for many causes in many different ways. She was an Akela for the Cubs, a Brown Owl for the Brownies, an elder in the church and she helped collect funds for the Daffodil Cancer Charity each year among other charity causes.

Jenny was born on October 3, 1936, in Edinburgh where she went to school at George Watson’s and enjoyed the athletics, particularly field hockey. She lived in Duddingston. Jenny was an only child but maintained close contact with her best friends and cousins, especially Margaret. She trained at a secretarial college and worked for the Registrar’s Office in Musselburgh. She was active in the church group at Windsor Place, acting in plays, and was the Akela for the local Cubs group. It was also there she met and married James Russell. Jenny was always ready for an adventure and enjoyed pony trekking, camping and hiking and when James suggested moving to Canada, she was ready and eagerly agreed. They moved to Winnipeg first where two of her children were born and Jim worked at the University of Manitoba. A year in Chicago was another adventure, as Jim completed his PhD at the University of Chicago. And then when Jim got a position in the Classics Department at UBC they moved to Vancouver. It was in Vancouver that her two youngest children were born.

After her four children were all in school, Jenny returned to work as a secretary, initially part time in cottage businesses with friends, and then at UBC. There she worked at the Sauder School of Business and the Social Work Department. She also continued to volunteer for different organizations and contributing to any organization she participated in. She was the President of the Faculty Women’s Club and enjoyed the Heritage Club and going for walks and baking for the various meetings. Jenny and Jim continued to participate in the Presbyterian Church, first at Kerrisdale and then at the West Point Grey congregation. She helped with transportation for school team games, and all the various sports and activities that her four children were involved in.

Jenny was accomplished in anything she turned her hand to, she was an amazing cook, and she seemed to effortlessly produce a gourmet meal for company, she sewed, knitted and tried various crafts. She surrounded herself with dear friendships that were her village, particularly during the years she navigated motherhood and filled the Professor’s wife role. She never liked the limelight and was very happy to play a supporting role in any endeavour. She supported Jim in all his endeavours sometimes having to stay up all night typing when working towards a deadline. She took life as it came and was as happy travelling as she was staying at home.

Jenny was predeceased 51 days by James, who she greatly missed after spending 66 years together. She will be deeply missed by her children, Elspeth (Luciano), Bill (Bernie), Kirsty (Tonino), Lucy (Fabio) and her 8 grandchildren, Leo, Liam, Clementina, Rory, Oliver, Isabel, Robin and Alan.

There will be a memorial service for Jenny at Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia.