Beverly Russell

Beverly Lorraine (Morse) Russell, age 97, died peacefully on Feb. 18, 2026, at Milford Regional Medical Center after a period of declining health. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of Charles E. Morse (West Boylston) and Irene R (Florence) Morse (Templeton) and was a lifelong resident in Central Massachusetts.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, Edward Russell, in 2019; and her son Jeffrey M. Russell in 2021. She accompanied Edward on business travel to many world destinations, her favorite being Hawaii, where she loved snorkeling and the beautiful beaches there.

Beverly will be lovingly missed and remembered by her devoted son James E. Russell and wife Dorothy Gladwin Russell of Ashland; and her cherished grandchildren, Gregory and Jennifer Russell, as well as her nieces and nephews who came for a visit last year. She was predeceased by brothers Charlie F. Morse of Auburn and William Morse of Auburn, and sister Irene Morin of Van Nuys, California.

Beverly was a graduate of David Hale Fanning Girls Trade High School in Worcester. She worked at her parents’ bakery, Cambridge Variety Store in Worcester, as a teen and early in her marriage while Edward was in the service. Beverly loved to dance and became an exercise dance instructor in the early years of her marriage. She was a lifetime member of the Greendale YMCA in Worcester and went there for many years, with her husband, to swim and exercise. Her hobby was clothes and sewing. She had an eye for fashion and was known for her stylish dress. Her shoe collection was the envy of many, and the higher the heels, the better. Beverly also loved to walk, and she rode her bicycle everywhere.
Beverly spent her last few years at Fairview Estates in Hopkinton, where she continued to live independently, enjoying the bus rides to various landmarks in the area and walking on nearby streets and paths.

Family and friends will gather to honor Beverly’s memory with calling hours from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, March 20, at Miles Funeral Home in Holden, with a memorial remembrance at 2. Interment will be private at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Town of Ashland Ambulance Fund, c/o Ashland Fire Department, Ashland Public Safety Building, 12 Union Street, Ashland, MA 01721.

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