Jocelyn Russell

Sadly, the family of Jocelyn Russell announce her peaceful passing on Monday, November 30, 2020 at the Gladstone Medical Centre in Gladstone, MB at the age of 87 years.

The eldest child of Stanley George and Marjorie Palmer (Proudley) Jocelyn was born in Calcutta, India on February 18, 1933. Educated in Bromley, Kent, England she was evacuated with her young brother to family members in Yorkshire during World War II.

With her love of the Arts beginning at an early age she attended the Bromley College of Art. During that time she achieved two gold medals from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, starring as Joan of Arc in G.B Shaw’s play St. Joan, J.M. Barrie’s Quality Street and other period pieces which showcased her acting ability. When her wish for a professional acting career did not receive parental approval, she pursued employment in the Art Department of a local retailer until her marriage in 1957.

Jocelyn and her husband Frank immigrated to Canada in the early sixties, settling in Toronto where she worked in the Art Department at the T. Eaton Company. After several other placements she completed her working career in the Ontario Department of Justice and then retired to her property in Guelph.

A dedicated fitness advocate she enjoyed yoga, skiing, hiking and was a keen walker - clocking many hundreds of miles in her lifetime. Sharing this enthusiasm she taught keep fit and yoga classes for many years.

She enjoyed travel to England, Norway, The Netherlands, and despite a fear of flying in later life she went to visit her sister and family in Australia.

In retirement, Jocelyn was an avid reader, took classes with Third Age Learning, volunteered at the Art Gallery of Guelph and attended St. James The Apostle Anglican Church.

With her siblings on opposite sides of the world, Jocelyn worked hard to maintain contact with extended family and childhood friends as well as those she met in Toronto. She enjoyed special new friendships in Guelph who welcomed her as part of their families. In 2019 she undertook a major move to Manitoba to be near to her brother John and family.  Unfortunately Pandemic restrictions and her rapidly deteriorating health prevented her from enjoying this to the fullest.

Jocelyn will be lovingly remembered by brother John Palmer (Barbara) of Portage la Prairie and sister Celia Hacker (Peter) of Australia; nieces Sarah Mueller (Jason) and Jane Palmer Agler (John); nephews Richard Hacker (Sarah) and Ian Hacker (Lou); great nieces Chloe, Maddie, London and Zara; great nephews Alex, Ryder and James, extended family and friends.

Special thanks to staff of Seven Oaks Hospital and the Gladstone Medical Centre for their compassionate care.

Interment will take place at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy, donations made be made in Jocelyn’s memory to Seven Regions Health Foundation Inc. Box 1000, Gladstone, MB R0J 0T0 or Central Plains Cancer Care, 318 Sask. Ave. E. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8 or to a charity of one’s choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com