Janet Downes Russell

Born on May 9, 1938, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Janet was the daughter of James and Lucina Downes. She grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where she met her lifelong love, Peter, at Henderson High School. Together, she and Peter shared more than 65 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, and family. Janet was preceded in death by Peter, last September.

Janet was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother, affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Gamma.” She treasured time spent with her family and took great joy in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her love was expressed not through grand gestures, but through the countless thoughtful ways she was always there for those who needed her. She and Peter, affectionately known as “Pop Pop,” danced their way through a wonderful life together, enjoying countless friendships, creating lasting memories along the way.

Peter and Janet were longtime members of Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills for nearly 50 years. Janet was an active and dedicated participant in club life. She enjoyed golf, paddle tennis, bridge, stock club, book club, and generously volunteered her time serving on many committees throughout the years. The committees included those supporting the Piper Men’s Member-Guest, numerous USGA tournaments, and the prestigious 2004 Ryder Cup. Whether chairing a committee, serving as secretary, or quietly tending to the countless details behind the scenes, she gave generously of her time and talents, never seeking recognition or expecting anything in return. Her commitment to helping others also included volunteering weekly with Meals on Wheels for decades.

Above all, Janet will be remembered for her genuine kindness, compassion, and warm, welcoming nature. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she had a way of making others feel valued and cared for. Even as Alzheimer’s disease brought challenges in her later years, her beautiful smile remained a reflection of the loving woman so many knew.

Janet is survived by her daughter Lori Horton of Bloomfield Hills, and her husband David, and their daughters, Hadley and Delaney; and her son, Craig Russell of New York City, and his wife, Pamela Jones, and their children, Henry, Hannah, and Nicholas. She will also be dearly missed by her surviving sisters, Barbara DePriest, Siney Johnson, and Kathy Downes, and their families. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Peter; her parents, James and Lucina Downes; and her siblings, James Edward “Eddie” Downes Jr. and Patricia Downes.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. Bright pink was Janet’s favorite color. In celebration of her life, friends and family are invited to wear or incorporate bright pink into their attire. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center or an organization of your choice supporting Alzheimer’s research and care.