Colleen M. (Reardon) Russell was born on September 30, 1962 and grew up in Bombay. She graduated from Salmon River Central School, and inspired to be a wife, mother and hoped to be a grandmother. She found the love of her life in her husband, Martin and their love blessed them with four children. Colleen was a caring, considerate person, always interested in the wellbeing of others. She was DSA at the NYS Taconic DDSO in Wassaic, where she shared her life caring for others in need, until illness struck her in 2010. Being strong and persistent, Colleen fought her cancer for a year until she went into remission. Never one to set idle, she pushed herself, caring for her husband and kids to make sure everyone was taken care of before herself.  She was a fun-loving mom who gave her kids the best things in life, her time and her love, and their needs took precedence over hers. Her cancer returned in 2015 and she started her fight all over. They watched her go through chemotherapy, radiation treatments, bone scans and mammograms, but she was stubborn and determined to fight the cancer with all her strength. The cancer entered her bones and she suffered a broken hip and arm and pushed herself through physical therapy, so she would be strong enough to go to her daughter, Miranda’s wedding. She fought fearlessly through the most challenging circumstances, with strength and self-respect. To her husband and children, she left a legacy of her hope and high spirits in the face of adversity, and they are so proud to inherit her will to persevere.

Over the years of Colleen’s struggle to survive, they have incurred numerous medical expenses and with her not being able to work, she lost her life insurance. Colleen was a kind and giving soul, who was constantly concerned about her family, as they were of her. With an illness like cancer and the care that is needed, it unfortunately often means a loss of income for the family. Trying to adjust to manage finances, with medical costs that surpassed any budget they had, depleted any savings they had. Now they have the task of Colleen’s funeral. They are celebrating her life, not it’s ending. We are starting this campaign for the numerous requests from people asking how to help. If you chose to honor Colleen with a gift to this campaign, we thank you. If you are not in the position to leave a gift, we thank you for reading our story of her generous life. May your life be filled with happiness and peace