Suzanne D. Russell

Suzanne Dauber Russell, 87, of Saint Peters, PA passed at her residence on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024.

Beloved and devoted wife, mother, grand-, great-grand-, sister, friend, and fan to all. Born on August 1st, 1936, in West Reading, PA to the late Harvey Matz Dauber and Mildred Kreisher Dauber, she often shared her happy childhood memories of growing up with her "dear little sister" Linda Haas, her sweet Aunt Margaret Dauber, and her Grammy; Elsie Kreisher.

As a youth Suzanne attended summer camps and in high school at Camp Ministerium, she met her husband, Harry Laverne Russell, Jr. After graduating second in her West Reading High School class, she was engaged and married in December of 1954 - recently celebrating 69 years of marriage. They moved to Delaware County where Harry was teaching and raised four children: Lynn, Jeffrey (deceased) Jamie and Heidi.

Suzanne lived her life filled with family, friends, and faith. She was an active member of Lima Methodist Church in Lima, PA where she sang in the choir, enjoyed her Redemptive Fellowship group, and taught many children at Lima Christian Nursery School until retirement. Always the nurturer, she saw the need for a safe and loving environment for after school care of elementary-age children for working parents and was co-founder of BUS STOP at Lima Methodist Church which continues today.

In her quiet time Suzanne had a passion for reading and knowledge. She worked at Middletown Free Library sharing her love and expertise with many of the children she taught in nursery and Bus Stop as they progressed through their schooling. She NEVER stopped learning and in recent years "I need to Google that!" was often said. Her home library is a cherished reflection of her varied, lifelong interests.

In 1996 she and Harry "retired" to Lake Wynonah, Schuylkill County, PA where they joined St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Once again, she engaged as an active member in choir, bible study, bell choir, knitting and quilting groups. She was so proud of the work she and the ladies prayed over while creating as they were displayed and blessed in the sanctuary before being sent near and far to those in need.

Retirement afforded them the luxury of time which they used to travel near and far attending any and all games (football, soccer, baseball) and events (dance recitals, Veterans Day, Grandparents Day, graduations, baptisms) for their grandchildren and recently their great-grandchildren. Known as "BaaBaa" to all, in all types of weather, they were spotted in the stands and rarely (if ever) missed being the #1 fans.

Suzanne most of all cherished her family and took great pride in each and every milestone and achievement. She was ALWAYS there to guide, encourage, cheer, console, listen, pray and she did so with her whole being. She was happiest with everyone together. She said this Christmas was her favorite of all as she was surrounded by love, laughter, and the chaos of it all!

Recently diagnosed, she was not afraid as her faith sustained her through her too short, final days. She knew she had a joyous reunion with her son Jeffrey, her parents and Jesus ahead of her. She had very definitive final wishes for us to follow— she asked that all remember her with happiness in their hearts not sorrow and to cherish every moment with those you love. She requested no funeral instead a Celebration of Life, gathering family and friends for her favorites: seafood, chocolate and ending with fireworks as temperatures warm. Plans will be shared when completed.

Suzanne is survived and missed dearly by her husband Harry, daughters; Lynn R McMurray, Pottstown, PA, Jamie R Markley (Christopher), Saint Peters, PA, and Heidi R Lockwood (David), Exton, PA, grandchildren; Erika, Addison, Autumn, David Jr, Jeffrey, and Lydia, great-grandchildren; Cooper, Russell, Maeve, and Vivian, also her sister; Linda D. Haas, West Lawn, PA, and many others.

She is predeceased by her son Jeffrey A. Russell and son-in-law Keith T. McMurray.

In lieu of flowers, she requested donations (if so inclined) to any of the following:

St. Paul's Lutheran Church

1185 Summer Hill Road

Auburn, PA 17922

Lima Methodist Church Bus Stop Program

PO BOX 158

Lima, PA 19037

Wellspan Ephrata Community Health Foundation

In memo:

Ephrata Cancer Patient Help Fund

722 West Main Street

Ephrata, PA 17522

We'd like to share a final thought-

a quote recently found in BaaBaa's handwriting she lived by:

"I choose to make the rest of my life the best of my life!"

Warker-Troutman Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve Suzanne's family.