Marie E. Russell, 84, of Bloomington, MN and formerly of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the home of her son in Bloomington.

Marie was born Mary Ellen on September 6th, 1935, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to her parents, Anton Byzewski and Florence (Herek) Byzewski. In her early years, Marie was raised by her parents on their farm near Manvel, ND.   Later, she alternated between living in Grand Forks with her mother and on her parents' farm for the next several years, until moving permanently to Grand Forks to work and attend Central High School, where she graduated in 1954.

Shortly after graduating high school Marie moved to Los Angeles, CA, to attend school to become a flight attendant. After completing the flight attendant course, she decided to take a job with Western Union. She left California for Minneapolis, but continued to work for Western Union.  It was while she lived in Minneapolis that Marie met and later married Luverne (Russ) Russell, who was an airman in the U.S. Air Force. It was not long before Marie and Russ began having children. Sadly, their first child, Allen Anthony, died at birth. They had four more children: Nadine (Bradley) Schanilec, Cynthia (Ronald) Goettle, Gary Russell and Darrell (Yvonne) Russell.

Marie liked the challenges of being a military spouse, traveling to and living with her husband in the various places he was stationed, all while working and raising their children. Marie spent a lot of time with her kids, caring for them, playing with them, and always giving them plenty of love. She often would say that raising a family is what she wanted to do most in life.

When Marie and Russ left military life, the family moved from Texas to Minnesota, and finally settled in Grand Forks in order to be near Marie's family. Marie began working at KBM and Associates, an engineering firm, as a bookkeeper. She worked there until she retired in 1997.

Marie enjoyed her life in Grand Forks and the time she could spend there with her family and friends. She felt a sense of belonging and comfort practicing her Catholic faith and was active at Saint Mary's Church, joining the Altar Society and especially enjoyed volunteering with her friends on the Funeral Committee, which she would do until health issues did not allow her to continue.

When she was diagnosed with MDS in 2020, she moved to the Minneapolis area to be in the care of her daughter, Cindy, and subsequently, her son, Gary. She entered the Allina Hospice program in January of 2024. She was grateful for the care and support she received from the hospice team especially Katie, Karla, Rose, Mary, Megan, Anne and Tim.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband Luverne; her parents, Anton and Florence; her sister Marjorie (Harry); and her four brothers: Stanley (Marion), Sylvester (Ida), Anthony (Barbara), and Earnest (Irene). Also, preceding her in death were her nephews, David, Terrance, Gerald, Harry James, Freddy, and her great grandson Ethan.

Marie is survived by her four children, sixteen nieces and nephews, ten grandchildren, and twenty-eight great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, in St. Edward Catholic Church, 9401 Nesbitt Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55437. Lunch to follow the Mass.
Visitation: Beginning at 10:00 am in the church on Friday

Memorial Mass: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND.
Family Greeting: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Wednesday.
Interment: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.  Refreshments to follow the interment.

In lieu of flowers: Donations can be made to the Ethan's Heart foundation. Checks can be mailed to: Ethan's Heart Foundation, 3024 7th Ave N, Moorhead, MN 56560 or made through admin@ethansheart.org