Paulette Russell

1952-2022

Paulette Russell passed peacefully surrounded by family at her home in North Pole, Alaska on Sept. 8, 2022 after living with cancer for the past four and half years. A Mass is being held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church in North Pole, with a gathering to follow at noon in the church hall. All are invited to celebrate with us. There will also be a Celebration of Life in Madison, Wis. on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 12-4 p.m. at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

Born in Phillips, Wis. in 1952, Paulette moved to Alaska in 1975 where she began a lifelong career as a teacher. It was in Alaska that she met and married fellow “Cheese Head” (Wisconsinite) Don Russell in 1978. Paulette spent the better part of 30 years teaching kindergarten and special education in North Pole before retiring in 2002. Her love of students and the classroom never left her, and she spent many years after retirement as a substitute teacher in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. When applying for a teaching position with the school district, Paulette was asked if she wanted to teach junior high or elementary school. She told the Special Education Director, “Do I have a choice? Look at me, I’m short.” But Paulette’s small stature was certainly no reflection of her enormous heart for people. In addition to working as an educator, Paulette dedicated much of her free time in service to her community as a volunteer at the Soup Kitchen at Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Fairbanks, where she fostered many meaningful friendships.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Don Russell of North Pole, Alaska; children Shawna Ragan (Ryan) of Eagle River, Alaska, Ryan Russell (Molly) of Marshall, Wis., and Becca Russell (Togi Letuligasenoa) of Fairbanks, Alaska; grandchildren Cylin Ragan, Cohen Ragan, Hank Russell, Hazel Russell and Edison Russell; her sister, Elizabeth Rossiter of Schofield, Wis.; and brother, Guy Novotny (Anita) of Delafield, Wis.

She was preceded in death by her parents Pauline and Charles Novotny; her sister, Patricia Anderson; and her brothers, Cyril and Mark Novotny.

We want to thank the staff of Fairbanks Cancer Center and FMH Hospice Services, as well as the numerous family and friends for all their prayers and wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations go to the Soup Kitchen at Immaculate Conception Church, Fairbanks Cancer Center or FMH Hospice Services.

Paulette will be remembered for her inspiring kindness, patience, generosity, dedication to family and community, and above all her love for people. She will be greatly missed.

Paid Obituary 126385