Phyllis Russell

DURHAM – Phyllis Russell, 80, of Durham, passed away peacefully on Thursday March 27, 2025, with family by her side.

Phyllis “Philly” was born in Lewiston, on Nov. 3, 1944, to Leslie Gerry and Gladys (Merrill) Gerry. Phyllis lived most of her life in Durham. She was a strong hardworking mother, friend and meme. She worked at Eastland Shoe and L.L.Bean in Freeport while raising her children. Phyllis enjoyed gardening, watching the birds, listening to Patsy Cline and spending time with her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, Leslie and Gladys Gerry; and her sister, Carleen Labrecque.

Phyllis is survived by her three children, a son, Keith Russell, Jr. and his girlfriend Wendy of Durham, son, Greg Russell and daughter, Cindy Russell, both of Lewiston; six granddaughters, Erika, Jessica, Kasey, Kelsey, Elisa, Devyn; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Lawrence (Archie) Merrill.

She was loved by everyone she knew and will be greatly missed by all.

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation and reception on April 9, from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 7 p.m., at Crosman Funeral Home 40 Main St., Lisbon Falls.

Please visit Crosmanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the Russell family and sign Phyllis’s online guest book.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’s name may be made to

Beth Israel Lahey Health, Joslin Diabetes Center Research and Innovation

1 Joslin Place

Boston, MA 02215