Gloria Mae Russell of Hadley, MA passed away at Linda Manor on December 12, 2021. She was born in Pelham, MA on September 11, 1930, daughter of Robert and Ruth Knightly.

Gloria grew up in Amherst, MA, graduating from Amherst High School. She received her RN degree from Mercy School of Nursing where she graduated with the class of 1951. She soon was married and started her 39-year nursing career employed at the Smith College Infirmary.

Gloria earned her Bachelor of Science degree from American International College, then completed a Nurse Practitioner program at University of Massachusetts.

Gloria met the love of her life, Edward Russell from Hadley, MA as a teenager. They married and together raised four children. They enjoyed 47 years together, until Edward died in 1999. They loved having adventures together whether it was traveling, camping, going for hikes or simply playing Scrabble.

In retirement, Gloria spent 20 winters in Venice, FL where she became very active in the Ramblers Rest Resort Campground community. She loved participating in chorus and playing billiards. She earned the nickname of “Pool Shark” after winning the league two years in a row! She became known by her neighbors for her daily walks and bike rides around the park on her shocking pink bicycle.

Following Ed’s passing she moved from Hadley to Easthampton’s Lathrop Community where she made many friends and had eight wonderful years.

Gloria leaves behind her three brothers and their wives: David and Sandy Knightly of Amherst, William and Martha Knightly of Ware and Robert and Patricia Knightly of Easthampton. She was pre-deceased by her sister Elaine Nicholson Pillar of Ocala, FL.

Even with all of her accomplishments, her true passion was spending time with her family. She leaves behind wonderful memories for her children and their spouses: Edward and Kathleen Russell of Enfield, CT, Linda and Kim Crossman of Deerfield, MA, Michael Russell and Nancy Pimental of Medway, MA and Steven and Judith Russell of Tulsa, OK.

She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Kevin Russell, Katy Walpole, Thomas Russell, Nathan Crossman and Adam Crossman and their spouses as well as eleven great-grandchildren.

At this time due to Covid, a graveside service will be held at Saint Brigid’s Cemetery, Hadley, MA at 1:00 pm, Friday, Dec. 17.

A Celebration of Gloria’s Life is planned for the springtime.

In lieu of flowers it is suggested that you consider a donation to the American Red Cross. (www.redcross.org)

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com