WESTFIELD – Barbara J. (Guerin) Russell, 68, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Plymouth. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard F. Russell, retired Westfield Fire Department Captain and decorated U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran who passed away October 2011. April 27th would be their 49th Wedding Anniversary.
Barbara was born and raised in Westfield, was the daughter of the late Raymond and Helen (Wemette) Guerin. She was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, where she embraced her passion for singing. Barb credited her love for music to her Dad, a violinist who was concertmaster in the early days of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. She went on to sing in the senior choir at St. Mary’s Parish and serve as vocalist for weddings, funerals and social events for over 35 years, along with 11 years as lead female singer with the popular local band “Prime Time”. In 2007 she joined the Music Makers Big Band as lead female soloist and appeared with the Naples Concert Band in Florida. Barb retired with Rich to Naples Florida in 2002 after she finished serving as a 16-year elected member of the Westfield City Council and 4 years as a Congressional Aide to Congressman John Olver. She was an active proponent for all citizens and championed many issues and projects that directly benefited the whole community.
Barbara leaves her sons Scott A. Russell and his wife Laura of East Falmouth, Jeff A. Russell of Bozeman Montana, and Kevin A. Russell of West Springfield, and her grandchildren Alexandra Russell of Chester, Wyatt Russell of Bozeman Montana and Hannah Russell of East Falmouth. She leaves her two brothers Thomas Guerin of Kyle TX and Christopher Guerin of Lenexa KS. She also leaves a host of extended family and great friends. She was predeceased by sisters Annette Golas and Louella Kidrick, brothers Brian Guerin and Raymond Guerin Jr.
Visitation will be from 12:00PM – 2:30PM on Saturday, April 8th at Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, followed by a Funeral Home Service at 2:30PM. Private Burial Service at the convenience of her family. Firtionadams.com Donations may be made to an Alzheimers charity of one’s choice.
