CAMDEN — Helen Linda Russell, 98, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 in her home in Camden, Maine.  She was born April 8, 1927 to Vesper and Amy (Carroll) Hall in Rockville, Maine. 

She graduated from Rockport High School in 1945 in a class of only 8 (all women). She went on to cosmetology school in Portland, Maine where she earned a certificate for hair design.  She worked a short while at Lenfest Beauty Salon before moving to Bangor, Maine.   

After returning to Camden, she volunteered her time in the Camden Grange Hall as a lecturer. She also was an active parent in the Twin Town Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the womens league at Lucky Strike Bowling Lanes in Camden. In her later years she enjoyed attending senior citizen luncheons seeing her old friends. Her true passion, though, was dancing. She and her first husband, Roland Marriner, lit up the dance floor while others would stand back watching them jitterbug, enjoying their performance. She and Roland had four children. 

Helen was always a hard worker, whether it was waitressing or cashiering, she did whatever it took to provide for her family. She had a gift of remembering numbers, which helped her in her job as a receptionist/switchboard operator at Maplewood Poultry office in Belfast, Maine for 12 years. 

Her love of dance showed up again on the dance floor where she met her second husband of 49 years, Clifton Russell. Together Helen and Cliff enjoyed traveling the state playing beano (with much success). In the early 1970s, they purchased and ran the Sherman Corner Grocery store in Liberty, Maine. They added a restaurant called the Snack Barn which added greatly to their social life, making many new friends over a cup of coffee. After selling the store, they became snowbirds, wintering in Florida. She again used her cashiering skills working at Orange Blossom Grove fruit market and gift shop for 25 years.  

Helen was one of seven children, predeceased by her parents; her three brothers: Arthur, George, and Harold Hall; and her two sisters: Ethel (Cain) and Doris (Turner); Helen’s husband Cliff; her two sons: Dana and Wayne Marriner; as well as her son-in-law Tobey Crane.   

She is survived by her youngest sister, Esther (Ramsdell) Frye of Rockport, Maine; two daughters, Candice (Marriner) Crane of Ketchum, Idaho and Cheryl (Marriner) Beveridge and husband Steve of Camden, Maine. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren: Anthony Crane of Talent, Oregon; Kelly (Marriner) Villacci and husband Nick of Gray, Maine; Ryan Marriner and wife Kate of Chelsea, Maine; Kristena (Light) Darlack and husband Andrew of Waldoboro, Maine; Rebecca (Light) Ngido and husband Guido of Waldoboro, Maine; Matthew Light and wife Lorena of Athens, Alabama; Amy (Beveridge) Sivigny and husband James of Camden, Maine; Clinton Beveridge and wife Michelle of Camden, Maine; Deedra (Beveridge) Boudreau and husband Jared of Freeport, Maine; Barry Beveridge and wife Alyssa of Bountiful, Utah, as well as her beloved 25 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

Her soft healing hands and loving touch will be deeply missed. She will be especially missed at the Sunday family meals and card games. She was sharp as a tack, still winning at 98.   

A celebration of life will be announced for the summer of 2026. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen Russell’s name to Maine Home Health and Hospice, 110 Marginal Way, Box 824 Portland, ME 04101.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com