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Lena M. Russell (nee Croteau) passed away peacefully, at the age of 97, on February 28, 2013, in Lake Cowichan, BC. Lena was born in Hawarden, Saskatchewan. 1915 and worked physically demanding jobs all her life, from field and kitchen hand in Saskatchewan.


She married Leonel (Lee) Croteau on October 17, 1939 at Deben, Sask. They adopted two daughters, Marlene in 1942 and Kathleen in 1944. They moved to Duncan, BC where Leonel worked in Sawmills and Lena worked in the Laundry for the Sisters of St. Anne’s Boys School. They adopted two sons, Gary, 1951 and Ronald 1953. The family moved to Rossland in 1950, then to Castlegar (Kinnaird) 1952, where Leonel worked at Cominco, retired July 1976 with emphezema, passed away in 1990. Lena worked at Castlegar Hospital in the laundry then the Kitchen for many years until she retired.


Lena loved to garden, play cards with family and friends, also doing jigsaw puzzles. Her most favorite hobbie was crocheting. She did hundreds of afghans giving them to her children, grandchildren and many friends.


In 1991 Lena moved to Abbotsford, then in 1994 married life long family friend, Maurice Russell. He passed away January 2003. In 2003 Lena joined her sister Alice, at Nana’s House Home Care in Lake Cowichan, BC, where for 10 years had lovingly and devoted care, attentive medical care and wonderful home cook meals, plus a beautiful garden and outdoor sanctuary of hundreds of birds for Lena to enjoy. This was all due to our Cousin-in-law Sandi Baker, (Nana’s House) who we give many thanks and our appreciation for the loving care of our Mother.


Lena’s sisters Marie and Alice, brothers Bruce, Joe and Charlie, all predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Kingsley Kirby (49) and her grandchild, Kelly Mailey (two years of age).


Lena is survived by daughters; Marlene Kirby (Ken) of Castlegar, Kathleen (nee Mailey) Needels, (Chuck) of Santa Rosa, Calif. Sons; Gary Croteau of Carievale, Sask, Ronald Croteau of Edmonton, Alta.


Grandchildren; Maureen Mailey (David) of Santa Rosa, Calif., Donna (nee Kirby) Plotnikoff (Ed) of Okatokes, Alta.., David Kirby (Kelly) of Airdrie, Alta.., Randy Kirby (Shelly) of Spokane, WA., Kevin Kirby (Heather) of Castlegar. Great Grandchildren; Derek, Deanna, Kelsie, Darren, Ryan and Shayna. Great Great Grandchild: Brenden.


At Lena’s request, she will be laid to rest with Leonel at Park Memorial Cemetery and at a later date a Memorial Service will be held in the summer.


Castlegar Funeral Chapel will be in care of

the arrangement.



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