Remembering Beverly Russell, 'humble to the core'

If there was ever an animal that needed help, Beverly Russell was often the first person that people called for assistance.

Russell, 80, died on Monday morning at home in Saco after a long illness. She had been receiving hospice care, but chose to stay in her home, where she was most comfortable and could spend time with what mattered to her most – her family and her cats.

Russell, for many years, was a key member of the Old Orchard Beach Community Animal Watch group. Through her involvement with the group, she found pets homes, drove seniors and their animals to the veterinarian, and helped low-income community members get access to pet food and veterinarian care. She spent hours raising money though yard sales in front of her apartment building and hosting events including an annual chowder festival on The Pier.

When a fire displaced her and other residents at a School Street, Old Orchard Beach apartment building, Russell made sure her neighbors and their pets had their needs met while temporarily located at nearby hotels.

“Beverly was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” said York County Commissioner Justin Chenette. “She always went out of her way to help others and had a big soft spot for our furry companions. Her work with the Community Animal Watch in Old Orchard Beach demonstrated her dedication to animals no matter their plight. Her kindness will long be remembered and I’m saddened to hear about her passing.”

Lorraine McLaughlin, Russell’s daughter, was her primary care giver for the past several years.

“I miss her terribly. She was my best friend,” said McLaughlin.

She said her mother was very devoted to her three children, as well as her grandchildren and great grandson.

“She wanted to see us happy,” said McLaughlin. “She always loved us kids.”

Russell lived most of her life in New Hampshire, but relocated later in life to Maine and quickly acclimated to the Old Orchard Beach community. After the fire in her School Street apartment building, she moved to Saco, but always felt a connection to Old Orchard Beach. She was active not only in the Community Animal Watch group, but with other organizations.

Russell was a compassionate person who never hesitated to help someone in need, but she wasn’t afraid to get her point across.

“She wasn’t very shy. She spoke her mind when she needed to,” said McLaughlin.

Russell had faced hard times in life. Her ex-husband, the father of her three children, was abusive, and after they separated, she lost her home and was temporarily homeless. As a single mother, she worked hard to provide for her three children and make sure they were safe and well cared for. For many years, she was a bartender at a dive bar, where she occasionally had to break up fights, said McLaughlin.

“Her “Aunt Bea” voice captured hearts, and her gentle demeanor often hid a fierce inner strength that made her a formidable force. Beverly had zero tolerance for injustice and was driven by an unwavering desire to help both people and animals in need,” said Pat Brown, a close friend of Russell. “She touched hearts—and opened wallets—but never for herself. Humble to her core, she never felt she’d done enough, though her impact was immeasurable.”

Russell’s friend Debbie Anischik said she has an image of Russell in her mind that comforts her.

"I picture her going over the Rainbow Bridge and all the animals she has helped over the years joyfully running to greet her,” she said.

A memorial service for Beverly Russell will be held at Remmick and Gendron Funeral Home in Hampton, New Hampshire from 2-4 p.m. on Dec. 28.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.