Karen Jean "Hannah" Russell, Spanish teacher, artist

Karen Jean Russell, who was also known as Hannah, of Ridgefield died on April 5 at Danbury Hospital at the age of 60.

She was born on July 23, 1944 in Lincoln, Nebr., the daughter of Jean and the late Carroll Dahlberg. She received her bachelor’s degree at Nebraska Wesleyan University and master’s in Spanish from Middlebury College in Vermont and Spain.

She was a secondary school Spanish teacher in the Bronx for 10 years, and worked briefly at Danbury Hospital. In 1984 she married James Russell. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990 and though in a wheelchair for many years, remained “an inspiration for many.”

“She once wrote of her M.S.: ‘My moments of stillness nourish gratitude, vitality, and generosity that sweeten moments spent with other people. Through stillness my life may bear fruit. From stillness I recognize my temptation to blame all my sorrows on my M.S.’ ”

She was artistic and enjoyed using watercolors both on paper and fabric.

“The colors she used created vibrant flowers and peaceful scenes,” her family said. She was a devoted member of Saints Peter and Paul Mission.

She is survived by her husband James of Ridgefield; mother Jean of Nebraska; brother William of Seattle, and three nieces and two nephews, of Seattle and Massachusetts, respectively.

The family is making arrangements for a memorial service. Memorial donations may be made to Saint Peters and Paul Mission, P.O. Box 84, Bethel 06081 or the Well Spouse Foundation, an organization to support caregivers, at wellspouse.org.

04/06/2005