Obituary of Jane Louise Russell

Jane L. Russell, age 89, of Upper Chichester, PA, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025, at Crozer Chester Medical Center. Born in Chester, PA, Jane was a lifelong resident of Ogden, PA.

 In her earlier years, Jane worked as a linotype operator at her father’s typography business, The Composing Room Inc., in Wilmington, DE. She graduated from Chichester High School, Class of 1953, where she followed in her father’s footsteps, earning the honor of valedictorian. 

 Jane was deeply devoted to her faith and community. She served as an active member and secretary at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Marcus Hook, later continuing her service in the new facility in Boothwyn, where she was also organist until its closing. She greatly enjoyed serving as Administrative Assistant for Little Lambs Christian Day Care at St. Martins and blessed many families in this capacity. At age 70, she became the parish secretary at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Glen Mills, retiring in 2021 at the remarkable age of 85.

 In addition to her church positions, Jane served with her husband as youth leaders. She was dedicated to her community through roles on the Upper Chichester Youth Aid Panel and as Judge of Elections for two terms in Upper Chichester’s 2nd Ward, 1st Precinct.

 Jane will be remembered for her enormous heart, unwavering love for others, and steadfast prayers for her large extended family. She found joy in archeology, gardening, reading, painting, crafting, playing her piano and organ, and caring for animals. 

 In addition to her parents, John C. and E. Evelyn Lythgoe Peters, Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Arthur Russell III, who passed in 2022; five Angel babies ; her brother, Harry D. Peters, and his wife, Joy; sisters-in-law, Barbara Peters and Louise Rutledge; and nephews, Dutton Peters Jr. and John A. Peters. 

 She is survived by her brother, Dutton Peters of Lancaster; sister, Elsie (Gale) Shepherd of Kirkwood; and thirteen nieces and nephews who basked in her love whenever they were with her. Jane counted it a privilege to not only pray for those nieces and nephews, but also their spouses, and later, her grandnieces, grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. 

 A joint visitation for Jane and Arthur will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10:00 to 10:30 AM at Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Rd., Garnet Valley, PA, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 AM. Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane’s memory may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 576 Concord Road, Glen Mills, PA. Online condolences can be shared by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.