A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Regina Russell, D.C., was celebrated August 24, 2017, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Md. Burial followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Emmitsburg. Sister Regina died August 20, 2017, at Villa St. Michael in Emmitsburg. She was 98 years of age and 77 years vocation as a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Born in Baltimore, Md., on July 27, 1919, Sister Regina (baptized Mary Regina) was one of five children born to Francis and Helen (Tillery) Russell.
A 1937 graduate of Seton High School in Baltimore, Sister Regina entered the Community of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in December 1939. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from St. Joseph College in Emmitsburg in 1965.
Following initial formation, Sister Regina first served as a Child Care Worker at Seton Villa, Wilmington, Del., (1940 to 1946) and at St. Mary’s Infant Home in Buffalo, N.Y., (January 1946 to August 1946). Sister Regina then began to teach. She ministered in Elementary Education at St. Paul’s School, Portsmouth, Va., (1946 to 1952); Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal School, Greensburg, N.C., (1952 to 1955); Cathedral School, Syracuse, N.Y., (1955 to 1961); Our Lady of Lourdes School, Baltimore, Md., (1961 to 1966); St. Peter Cathedral School, Wilmington, Del., (1966 to 1969); Holy Cross Regional School, Lynchburg, Va., (1969 to 1975); St. Joseph School, Petersburg, Va., (1975 to 1980); and Mother Seton School, Emmitsburg, (1980 to 1985). When asked about teaching, Sister Regina shared, “it was with deep satisfaction that I observed young children discover the glories of reading!”
When Sister Regina’s years in education ended, she served as a Docent at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, (1985 to 1997). She then ministered at St. Joseph’s Provincial House (1997 to 2002). In April 2002, Sister joined the Ministry of Prayer at Villa St. Michael, Emmitsburg, and served there until the time of her death.
Sister Regina was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and her three sisters. She is survived by her niece, Deborah Egitto of Baltimore, and her Sisters in Community.