Helen M. Russell - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Helen M. Russell

December 2, 1917 - December 15, 2014

Helen M. Russell, age 97, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2014.

Helen was born in Lockport, PA on December 2, 1917 and was the daughter of the late Charles S. and Blanche Driver Peck. After graduating from Lock Haven High School in 1935, she worked for Piper Aircraft. Mr. Piper encouraged his employees to take flying lessons so Helen took advantage of the free lessons and soloed on September 11, 1941 at the age of 24. In 1944, Helen transferred to Piper Aircraft at the New Castle Army Air Force Base where she typed orders for Major Barry Goldwater and later worked for Major Jack Sims one of Jimmy Doolittle’s famous Toyko Raiders.

Her husband’s military career took them around the world and they were stationed at Tulln, Austria; Hickam Field in Hawaii; Laon, France; Eglin AFB in Florida; Dover AFB and later at Maguire AFB, from which her husband retired after 21 years.

Helen was a homemaker and enjoyed traveling. She made 11 trips to the West Coast using Amtrak and taking three of her grandchildren on these trips. She enjoyed reading, gardening and working crossword puzzles. She was a member of Asbury Methodist Church in New Castle, DE for over 40 years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husband, Major Roy E. Russell USAF. Helen is survived by her three children, Leilani Walker (Patrick) of Newark, DE, Dana Russell (Sandy) of New Castle, DE and Garth Russell of Pasadena, CA; and her three siblings, Shirley Peck, Frances June Zerby and Bill Peck all of Clinton County, PA. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Seasons Hospice for their compassion and excellent care and all her friends and neighbors who helped Helen during her times of illness in the past years.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Monday morning, December 22, 2014 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 11:30 am. Interment will follow in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, c/o Christiana Care Foundation, P.O. Box 1668, Wilmington, DE 19899.

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6 Condolences for Helen M. Russell

  • I pray God will bring comfort to the family. Her husband and I grew up together and visited each other.So many wonderful memories. Always enjoyed Helen and my “phone visits” as we called them.
    Blessings and Deo Volenti,
    Marguerite (age 94)

  • My deepest sympathy for the whole family. Lauralei

  • Dana,
    Your mother must have been quite a lady in her prime days. She accomplished so much during a period in our history when opportunities for women were very limited.
    I know she was not in good health for along time, but the final passing is always hard for those left to remember her in better days and times.

    I speak for myself and for members of the Delaware Enduro Riders in expressing our sympathy for your loss.

  • My deepest sympathy your mom was always so nice to me when I would come down with aunt Shirley she will be missed. Lisa

  • Dear Leilani, Dana, Garth and respective families.
    My deepest condolences for your loss. I am glad your mom had a full life and I am glad to have many memories to cherish with you of your mom from past family gatherings.
    A warm embrace.
    Rosaria M. Balzamo

  • We are so sorry for your loss. I never got to meet Helen but my parents spoke of her often. She sounded like a wonderful women. I know her and my mom would share books. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa Henson.