DRACUT – Kathleen C. “Kathy” (Hodgson) Russell, age 93, a longtime resident of Dracut, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 14, 2025. She was the devoted wife of the late Richard J. Russell, with whom she had shared 60 years of marriage with until his passing in 2015.
Born in Lowell on June 6, 1931, she was the daughter of the late James and Catherine (Walsh) Hodgson.
Raised in the Wigginville neighborhood of Lowell with her close cousins and dear friends, Kathleen attended Riverside and Sacred Heart schools. She graduated from Lowell High School, class of 1949. Kathleen completed certificate programs at Lowell Commercial College (secretarial studies), Lee Institute (Real Estate) and Middlesex Community College (Travel & Tourism).
Kathleen worked at Raytheon before devoting herself as a stay-at-home mother to raise her four children. During this time, she was very active in the Dracut community, in organizations such as the Dracut PTO, Dracut Women’s Friendship Luncheon Committee, Dracut Garden Club and Dracut Scholarship Foundation (DSF), of which she was instrumental in starting the first DSF Craft Fair and DSF Telethon. Kathleen organized the successful Dracut Lazy Eye Clinic in the 1970’s. This clinic provided essential care for children suffering from Amblyopia, ensuring they received the necessary treatment to improve their vision.
In 1981 she embarked on her career as a travel agent at which she excelled for 20 plus years. She brought much joy to so many with her skill of arranging vacations to remember. Her work afforded her the ability to travel extensively for many years with her husband both domestically and abroad. Her motto was, “Enjoy life, take a trip”. In addition to travel, Kathleen and her husband Rich loved to dance and took every opportunity to dance together.
Kathleen was the epitome of optimism, greeting each day with a radiant smile and a positive attitude. Her kindness was abundant, and she always prioritized the well-being of others. She was a loving mother, cherished nana, devoted cousin and friend, effortlessly making new friends wherever she went. Her vibrant personality made her the life of the party, lighting up any room she entered. She had a unique ability to bring joy and laughter, ensuring everyone around her had fun. Her presence was a gift, and her legacy of love and positivity will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Kathleen is survived by her children, Richard J. Russell II and his wife, Katherine (Cakounes) of Nashua, NH, Patricia Russell of Lawrence, Kathleen (Russell) Bradley and her husband, Timothy of Irvine, CA and Rosemary (Russell) Bennett and her husband, David of Laconia, NH; her grandchildren, Candace (Russell) Keithley and her husband, Willey, James Russell, Daniel Burk and his fiancé Erin Campbell, Kimberly Bradley, Emily Whitmore and Katelyn Whitmore; her great-grandchildren, Quin Thomas and Bradley Keithley; sister-in-law, Wilma Hodgson; as well as several nieces, nephews, many loving cousins and dear friends. She was predeceased by her brothers, James A. Hodgson, Jr. and John M. Hodgson; her granddaughter, Katherine Whitmore and her father-in-law, Frank Russell.
Relatives and friends are invited to Kathleen’s Life Celebration on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 4 until 7 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 AM in St. Francis Church, Dracut. Burial will follow in Lowell Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathleen’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. For condolences and directions, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com.
