Ann Marie Russell (nee Blackburn)

Peacefully passed away at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the age of 79.

Ann Marie is survived by her three loving children James R. (Kelly) Russell, Kathryn M. (Don) Wood, and Mary A. (Carlo) Ragusa. She leaves behind a cherished legacy through her nine grandchildren Claire and Molly Russell, Maggie, Ryan, Danny, and Grace Wood, Johnny, Paulie, and Jimmy Ragusa. Ann Marie is also survived by her two brothers Robert and Michael (LeeAnn) Blackburn, her sister Maureen Vavrus and sister-in-law Margaret (Jack) Lynch and special friends David Jaeger and Kathleen Condon. She was adored by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Ann Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, James T. Russell (2014), as well as her sisters and brother-in-law Joan and Paul Claussen and Katherine Blackburn.

Born on February 20, 1944 in Joliet, to the late Robert and Mary Jean Blackburn. Ann Marie dedicated herself as a faithful and devoted member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and the Paulites. Throughout her career, she worked as a legal secretary for several Joliet and Chicago law firms. Ann Marie's passion centered around her family, and she never missed an opportunity to support her children and grandchildren in their various activities.

Funeral services for Ann Marie Russell will be held from the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road, on Friday, January 26th, at 12:30 P..M. to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave. at 1:00 P.M. for a Mass of Christian Burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to a charity of your choice. Visitation will take place on Friday from 9:30 A.M. until 12:30 P.M.