Obituary: Sheila Doyle Russell

Sheila Doyle Russell of Cambridge and Hull passed away on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 peacefully at home. Sheila was 87.

Wife of the late Mayor Leonard J. Russell, she was the mother of Lenny Russell and his wife, Sandy, of Hull; Eileen Struzziery and her husband, John, of Hull; Nancy and her husband, Ed Grabowski, of Somerville; and Katie and her husband, Scott Somers, of Peabody; and was predeceased by her son, William “Billy” Russell.

She was the loving grandmother of Alyse Brussard and her husband, Tom, of Boxford; Courtney Hooson and her husband, John, of Hull; Emily Struzziery of Hull; Caitlin Russell and her fiancé, Bobby Murphy, of Cambridge; Molly Struzziery of Hull; Meghan Russell of Westport; Patrick and Timmy Grabowski of Somerville; and Niamh Walsh and Nolan Somers of Peabody.

Mrs. Russell was the great-grandmother of Hazel and Tripp Brussard and Ellie Hooson, and the beloved sister of Nancy (Doyle) Navin, the late Marylou (Doyle) Crowley, and James “Buddy” Doyle. She also leaves behind many extended family and friends, especially her gang fondly nicknamed “The Murphy Chicks.”

Mrs. Russell was fortunate to have been able to raise her five children in Cambridge and Hull, and then enjoyed a rewarding career serving on the city council and then as the mayor of the City of Cambridge. She touched the lives of so many, and would often talk about her cherished memories and friendships from St. John’s, St. Peter’s, the Hull Yacht Club, and the Russell campaign trail. During her tenure as mayor, Mrs. Russell was very proud of bringing the Irish famine monument to the Cambridge Common. As a city councilwoman, Mrs. Russell was a champion for many causes, Cambridge businesses, and especially for the elderly and for elder services. She was a tireless leader for establishing the Cambridge Citywide Senior Center.

In her retirement, her work and dedication were honored in the opening of the Sheila Doyle Russell Community and Youth Center. Although Cambridge was always first in her heart and mind, she enjoyed spending summers at her home, entertaining on her front porch enjoying the beautiful breeze off Hull Bay. Her funeral was held at St. John’s Church in Cambridge and burial was at Cambridge Cemetery on Dec. 20.

Donations in Mrs. Russell’s name may be made to The Cambridge Program Friends for Individuals with Special Needs, 1 Hardwick Street, Cambridge, MA 02141.