Obituary of Therese C. Russell

Terry Cargill Russell, née Marie Therese Ryan, died in Southport on January 11, 2021.  Born on August 8, 1931 to Maurice Lyons Ryan and Cecelia Neiland Ryan in St. Paul, Minnesota, she graduated from the Convent of the Visitation and received her BA from the University of Minnesota where “Matrice” was an energetic “Kappa”.  A 60-year resident of Southport, Terry was predeceased by her husband Harris Russell, eldest son, William Cargill and a daughter-in-law Jennifer Cargill.  During their 25 years of marriage, she and Harris created the village’s most noted combined family; the Cargills and Russell’s.  She is survived by Sissy Cargill Biggers and husband, Kelsey of Oak Bluffs, MA, Molly Spruance and husband, Will of Wilmington, DE, Samuel Cargill of Southport, Sarah Brundage and husband, John of Phoenix, AZ and her daughter-in -law, Virginia Cargill of Southport; Ned Russell and wife, Teresa, of New York City, Peter Russell and wife, Stephanie Coakley of Easton, Timothy Russell and wife, Bobbie Sue, of Sandy Hook, George Russell of Southport and Alison Macadam and husband, Dr. Christopher of Old Lyme; 8 Cargill grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters and 11 Russell grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her sister Patricia and husband, Dr. John Streitz of Duluth, Minnesota and is survived by their five children and 10 grandchildren.  Mostly reticent about her formative Minnesota years, she and her sister spent idyllic days at the family cabin in the north woods riding their horse Buster and kicking stumps that often turned out to be a brown bear.  Their father Maurice founded the Quality Macaroni Company and in the 1940’s presented President Harry Truman with his likeness in penne. Terry and Harris originally met in the early 1960’s after she and first husband, William S. Cargill moved from Minneapolis to Harbor Road needing the services of Harris Hardware, run by Mr. Russell.  After a family stint abroad, Terry returned to Southport in 1971 now a divorcee looking for a career.  Harris was quick to ask her to join the Russell Agency where she flourished as a realtor. Terry was in partnership with her stepsons Timothy and George at The Russell Insurance Agency until her passing.  Terry and Harris loved their Sunday dinners at Oxford Road in Southport where the boisterous clan’s potential partners were vetted over French inspired menus and holidays with kielbasa.  They enjoyed travel--especially to France-- but the golden August days they spent in Chilmark; Martha’s Vineyard were their most precious.  A member of Trinity Church Southport, she volunteered at the Bridgeport Schools, Near & Far and Pequot Library.  A longtime member of the Fairfield County Hunt Club and the Pequot Yacht Club, she formed an extended family of friends which was a great source of fun and support before her remarriage to Mr. Russell.  The ever-modest Terry will be remembered for her effortless glamour, fierce dedication to family, strength in adversity, a spot-on-sense of humor and a dry Beefeater martini. Terry favored yellow which was her fashion signature at Maplewood of Southport where she died.  A family service will be held at the Trinity Church, Southport where any memorial contributions may be directed. To sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com