Obituary of Melissa S. Russell

Melissa S. Russell, 50, of Fairway Lane, Sherrill, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.

She was born on March 4, 1973, in Rome, the daughter of Stephen and Deborah (Stellwagen) Russell.  Melissa was a 1991 graduate of Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School.  She went on to graduated from St. Elizabeth’s Nursing School in 1995.

Melissa was an RN for Oneida Health since 2009 and was previously employed at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for fourteen years.  She was a kind and compassionate nurse, who cared for many patients during her career.

She enjoyed reading, walking her dog, cooking her famous chicken riggies, and spending time lakeside in the Adirondack Park.  She loved all things beautiful and had a flair for fashion.

Surviving besides her parents, Stephen and Deborah of Verona, are four children: Alexandra Danella, Ella Cenname, Jake Cenname, and Brett Cenname, all of Sherrill; a sister, Cheryl (Kevin) Kurzinski, of Phoenix, NY; a brother, Stephen (Nicole) Russell, Jr. of Fayetteville; six nieces and nephews: Andrew Avery, Kevin Kurzinski, Colin Kurzinski, Evelyn Russell, Charles Russell, and Benjamin Russell.

Melissa's family will be having a celebration of life.  For those wishing to attend, please reach out to the family for more details.  There are no calling hours.  Memorial contributions may be made in Melissa’s memory to the Oneida Health Foundation, 321 Genesee St., Oneida, NY, 13421.