Mary Frances Russell, 80, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away December 23, 2023. She was born March 10, 1943, to the late Patrick and Helen (Conry) Nolan. She married Robert Russell on August 10, 1974, who survives in Bowling Green.
Mary Frances was a 1961 graduate of Western Reserve High School. She attended college at Mary Manse College as a novice with the Ursuline Sisters of Toledo, OH, eventually becoming the first nun to graduate from BGSU’s music education program in 1969. She was a proud member of the BGSU marching band under the direction of Mark Kelly.
Mary Frances found her calling outside the convent, leaving to seek a fulfilling career as a teacher. In the 1970’s, she was one of very few female marching band directors as she led the music programs at Calvert High School in Tiffin. She went on to teach music at St. Joseph’s Elementary in Fremont, and ultimately retired in 2012 after teaching third grade at St. Aloysius in Bowling Green.
Mary Frances left her mark on her three children, grandchildren, the many students she taught, friends, colleagues, neighbors, friends of her children, and, well, everyone around her. She prioritized education, faith, self-confidence, and humor. She was always quick to respond with a joke.
Along with her husband, Mary is survived by her children Dale Russell of Bowling Green, Ohio, Devin Russell (Amy Liu Russell) of Columbus, Ohio, and Maureen Russell (Peter Jeschke) of Fairfax, Virginia, five grandchildren, and siblings John Nolan (Cheryl Patrick Nolan) of Wakeman, Ohio, Michael Nolan (Jill Eversole Nolan) of Wakeman, Ohio, and Rose (Nolan) Jones (Roger Jones) of Newark, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandchild (Ben), her eldest brother Patrick Nolan jr., and her beloved collies and lap cats.
Visitation will be held on Friday December 29, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster St. A scripture service will be held at 6:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday December 30, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 150 S. Enterprise St. Bowling Green. Father Tom McQuillen will officiate. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Tiffin, Ohio at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making financial contributions to the Russell Family Scholarship at Tiffin Calvert High School or the St. Aloysius Elementary School’s Annual Fund.
To leave an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
