Dorothy Petersen Russell, 90, died peacefully on Jan. 22, 2015 at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley.
Born July 14, 1924 in Chicago, Ill., she was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Esther Petersen of Loxley; brothers, Warren, Walter and Willard Petersen; her late husband of 44 years, Ralph Joseph Russell of Magnolia Springs; and grandson, Mark Rohan of Perdido Beach.
She is survived by a daughter, Pam Russell Rohan (Myrlin) of Perdido Beach; two sons, Judge R. Tim Russell (Sandy) of Foley and Peter C. Russell (Terri) of Magnolia Springs; grandchildren, Paul Rohan, Justin Rohan, Karen Miller, Amy Farr, and Kevin, Kent and Todd Russell; 12 great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends.
Dorothy received a bassoon music scholarship to the University of North Texas and completed her bachelor’s of education degree at the University of South Alabama.
She was a renowned elementary school teacher, having taught at Loxley Elementary School, St. Benedict School in Elberta and Foley Elementary School.
She served as an organist at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Foley during a span of 53 years, and was a Benedictine Oblate of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman.
She entertained with her accordion numerous times at Magnolia Springs Town Hall and the Lillian Community Club.
She lived a life of prayer, family and service.
After the rosary is recited at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, the family will receive friends at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Foley, from 9 until 10 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church at 11 a.m., with interment at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Benedict School, 12786 S. Illinois St., Elberta, AL 36530, or St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, 601 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 36535.
The family wishes to thank everyone involved with the loving care and friendship of their beloved mother.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Foley.
