03/05/2026
After a life well lived, Marina Margaret (Griffith) Russell passed away peacefully at High-Crest Nursing Home, Springhill, NS on February 28, 2026. Marina was born November 4, 1934 in Lachute, Quebec to Allan and Irene (Rogers) Griffith, the second of their three children. Growing up on the family dairy farm, the value of hard work was learned early and became a common theme throughout Marina’s life.
Before long she met her soulmate and love of her life, Keith Russell, and in 1954 they married in Lachute. Following short stints in Toronto, Halifax, and back to Toronto, they moved to Amherst and eventually settled in Amherst Point, NS raising their family of five children: Bruce, Peter, Steven, Roger, and Judy.
Marina was a stay-at-home Mom. She was good at it, she enjoyed it, and based on all reports she ran a pretty tight ship! Hard to imagine having any spare time with a young and active family, but church and community were always important, and volunteer roles took on increased importance.
As the years passed, Marina never looked for attention, but her family was very proud of the recognition she received from the Lieutenant-Governor for twenty-five years of canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. She was also named a Life Member of the UCW (United Church Women) at Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church in Amherst, served as Chair of the Board of the Amherst Credit Union, was a member of the Board of Directors of the Amherst Co-op, the Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Cumberland County Museum, in addition to being UCW Presbytery newsletter editor for many years and volunteering countless hours to the Cumberland North Liberal Association.
In addition to her volunteer activities, Marina attended Mount Allison University during the1970s/early 80s graduating with two degrees and a sense of pride and personal accomplishment. She had been valedictorian of her high school graduating class and finally satisfied her desire to attend university "some day".
Not surprising perhaps with five children, thirteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren, Marina was a prolific knitter and seamstress. Dozens of toques, scarves, mitts, wool socks, and sweaters were worn by all and beautiful afghan blankets were handmade in the colour of your choice for every grandchild and great grandchild for as long as she was able. The single most incredible project however might have been the Christmas she sewed matching dresses for three granddaughters and their Cabbage Patch dolls. What a hit!
Marina actively loved her grandchildren, was a very positive presence in their lives and a great role model. She was always interested in their stories and activities and seldom missed a graduation ceremony. Marina took a lot of family pictures over the years as children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren grew up. Her family photo and video collection was prolific and freely copied and distributed to family far and wide.
Over the years, Marina had the opportunity to travel and with camera in hand enjoying trips to England, Ireland, France, The Bahamas, Australia, Alaska, Hawaii and many places in between. A life well lived!
Marina is survived by her children, Hon. Bruce (Mary), Ottawa ON, Peter (Heather), Wolfville NS, Dr. Steven (Claire), Truro NS, Dr. Roger (Dr. Catherine Aquino), Amherst Point NS, and Judy (Richard) Luton, Fredericton NB, as well as her grandchildren Dr. Elizabeth (Dr. Colin Bell), Calgary AB, Alexander (Kristin), Middle Sackville NS, Lisa Nicol (Josh Johnston), Manotick ON, Sarah, Kuujjuaq PQ, Sacha (Joel) Stoddart, Kentville NS, Jennifer, Ottawa ON, Adam (Tracy), Airdrie AB, Nicholas (Melissa), Brookfield NS, Stephanie (Jon) Totten, Dartmouth NS, Catrina Russell-Dolan (Luke) Apohaqui NB, Dr. Allison (Daniel) Bernardi, Sackville NB, Daniel Luton, Calgary AB, William Luton, Kentville NS, and 22 great grandchildren, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Marina was predeceased by her loving husband Keith in 1999, brother Rexford Griffith and sister Eunice Shortt, and brothers and sisters-in-law Joan Griffith, Stan Shortt, Frances and Dr. Lionel Funt, Doris and Chesley Lockhart, and Rev. Stewart and Bette Russell.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church St., Amherst, NS (902-667-8777). A Celebration of Life will be held in Marina’s honour at 2 PM on Saturday, March 14/26 at Trinity-St Stephen’s United Church, Amherst NS with a reception to follow in Heartz Hall. The service will be recorded and posted on the funeral home website once it becomes available (www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca)
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia, Camp Ta-Wa-Si, or the UCW at Trinity-St Stephen’s United Church.
