Patricia Russell (nee McAdorey)

April 3, 1931 - July 7, 2022 Patricia Anne (McAdorey) Russell died on the morning of Thursday, July 7th at 91, surrounded by loved ones. She is predeceased by her husband Bill Russell, brother Bob McAdorey and double-first cousin Eleanor (Sheedy) Morton. She is survived by daughter Jean (Peter) Geary, brother Terry McAdorey, grandchildren Siobhan and Monica Geary, and her cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Pat, along with her brothers and cousins, spent their childhood in Niagara Falls, Ontario, surrounded by a large, colourful extended family. Growing up during the depression and losing her father at 13 instilled in her a powerful resilience, and also gave rise to a magnificent generosity of spirit, close family bonds, and a wonderful, irreverent sense of humour. After graduating from high school, Pat and Eleanor moved to Toronto. She and Bill were married in 1953. Pat worked for many years at The Toronto Star on their busy main switchboard. She was part of a team that did 'on the spot' research in the era where cell phones and the internet were not even imagined. They tracked down people reporters wished to interview, including politicians, celebrities, and people who had witnessed breaking news. Their team was famous in journalism circles all over the world for their resourcefulness and ingenuity. An avid reader and a lifelong learner, Pat had many, varied and sometimes unconventional interests. Ever curious and open to new ideas, she often sparked new interests and passions in others. She pursued literature at Sir George Williams University in Montreal, and had an uncanny knack for trendspotting. Women's spirituality fascinated her, and she studied many faiths including the teachings of Matthew Fox. She was especially proud of her early involvement with the Ban the Bomb movement in the 1960s. Pat, Bill and their daughter Jean lived in Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg and Vancouver before resettling in Toronto in 1969. After retiring, she and Bill enjoyed travelling, especially road trips and long hikes, but most of all they adored spending time with their granddaughters, Siobhan and Monica. Pat always went above and beyond to help friends and family who needed her. She modelled unstinting love, kindness and great-spiritedness; her home and heart were always open to Jean’s friends, Peter’s extended family, Pat’s nieces and nephews and their friends, and many others, including the occasional draft dodger! She never failed to include anyone who felt isolated or “on the fringes”; there was always a seat at her table. Profound gratitude to the frontline staff at Meighen Manor for their loving, respectful and compassionate care over many years, and for helping to make Pat’s final hours peaceful and comfortable. Donations may be made in her honour to Doctors Without Borders or to The Alzheimer's Society Toronto. A Celebration of Life is being planned. Please email jean.e.geary@gmail.com if you would like to know the details once they are final.