Constance Lee Russell

Connie Olsen Russell of Whittier, California passed away on February 11, 2023. Connie was born in Provo, Utah to Leona Nelson and Marion "Pete" Olsen on April 12, 1941. Her little brother Phillip was born 3 years later making the Olsen family complete. Connie attended Maeser Elementary School where her father was the principal. Connie always made friends wherever she lived, even from a young age.

Connie loved living in Hawaii when her father was a visiting principal there. When her family moved to California, she decided she wanted to live there one day. The family moved back to Provo where Connie attended Brigham Young University. She graduated from Brigham Young University with her bachelor's in education in 1963. She met Gary Russell and they were married on November 26, 1965. They lived for a brief time in Texas, and then moved to California.

Connie received her Master's Degree in Science from California State University Los Angeles in 1978. Connie taught in Arcadia Unified School District, Lubboch Unified School District, and Clark County School District. During her teaching career of 34 years, she taught from Kindergarten to Third Grade. Connie loved her students and would treat them like they were her own children. She loved Russell Big Top and swim parties for her students and Thanksgiving dinners and programs at school. She would keep contact with many of them and enjoyed acknowledging all of their accomplishments. She frequently had former students to her home to celebrate any occasion.

Connie enjoyed traveling to Europe and vacationing with friends and family. She always took pictures with friends, family, and former students and enjoyed creating scrapbooks. She always looked forward to lunch or dinner appointments with her friends. She also loved going to Utah during July and Christmas to visit family and friends. Connie always hosted Thanksgiving dinners for anyone that needed a place to belong. She was the hostess with the mostess. She was well known for her pink lip stick, famous kisses, perfume, and always looking fabulous.

Connie enjoyed serving others and was an active member of many organizations. She was the recipient of many awards and service recognitions. She received LA County Schools Excellence in Teaching Award Outstanding Service 1987 and Arcadia School Distinguished Teacher Award 1989. PTA Service Award 1987. Volunteer Service Award from San Gabriel Medical Center for over 1800 hours of service. Instructional Video Award Multimedia Certificate of Performance 1991. American Association University of Women Program Chairman 2nd Vice President 1969. Sales Apparel Marketing L.A. Apparel Mart Market Weeks 1978-1997. Organized Day camps for Children 1980. Red Cross Representative for Arcadia Schools 1980-1981 and 1990-1991. Santa Anita Racetrack Breeder's Cup and California Cup Volunteer. San Gabriel Valley Medical Center Volunteer, Vice-President in charge of the Junior Volunteers Program, and Gala Co-Chairman. The Policy Round Table for Child Care. Assistance League of Arcadia. Pasadena Playhouse Volunteer. Spy Glass Homeowner's Board member. Arcadia Methodist Hospital Volunteer. 1st 5 LA Commissioner. Shakespeare Club Pasadena Philanthropic Member. San Gabriel Valley Medical Center Foundation Board. Santa Anita Convalescent Center Volunteer. Children's Miracle Network Telethon Volunteer.

Connie is preceded in death by her husband Gary Russell, her brother Phil Olsen, her parents Leona, and "Pete" Olsen, her Grandparents Ruby and Conrad Nelson, Nellie and Ole E. Olsen, and her beloved dog Mitzi. Connie is survived by her sister-in-law Merilyn Olsen Johnson, her niece Pari (Dave) Bennion, their children Laura, Leah, Hunter, and Leona Bennion, her niece Paige (Joe) Fabrizio, their children Morgan, Hanna, and Grace Fabrizio, her nephew Pete (Cathy) Olsen, their children Phillip, Lily, Amelia, and Henrie Olsen, and her niece Penny (Aaron) Bradshaw, their children Brinklee, Bryndee, Bailee, and Boston. And, all of her beloved students, neighbors, friends and cousins.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of the many charities that Connie volunteered for.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/west-covina-cremation for the Russell family.