Stephanie Lynn Russell was unexpectedly taken from us, on the 11th day of March 2022. Born November 23rd, 1989 to Teddy Douglas Russell and Terri Lynn Russell, she spent her childhood surrounded by unconditional love and support from her family.
Diminutive with delicate elven features and large bright eyes, Stephanie was a “pixie spreading magic and love everywhere she went ”. Like pixie magic, Stephanie’s laughter was infectious and would dance through a room brightening everyone’s spirits, making life that much more enjoyable. Stephanie was a generous spirit who truly enjoyed people and especially adored children. She was the epitome of love with a calm, soothing demeanor. Every child she came in contact with adored her and held an eternal and special bond with her, and no baby cried for long in her arms.
Like her mother, Stephanie loved to entertain. Preferring not to be the center of attention, she moved behind the scenes to cultivate the perfect atmosphere. Thoughtfully gliding through a party, Stephanie knew what you needed (be it a friendly ear, a kind word, or just a napkin) before you did. She was so effortlessly thoughtful, that you could almost be forgiven for not realizing her contribution in the moment. And truly, her generosity of spirit was such that she did not hunger for recognition. But, of course, that’s exactly why she deserves it.
Her aptitudes were a natural fit for the hospitality industry. Working at private parties and events, Stephanie treated guests like family. She especially loved doing weddings and took care to ensure that these occasions were truly special, once-in-a-lifetime, ceremonies that her guests would remember fondly forever. It is incredibly tragic that Stephanie was never able to experience this magical day for herself.
Deeply loved by her fiancé William Laird, it is beyond cruel that she was deprived of a ceremony that she had so selflessly and devotedly given to others so many times before. But that is how Stephanie was, she gave and forgave others regardless of what they could give in return. She took care of her family and loved them with every fiber of her being. Stephanie was pre-deceased by her adoring father, Teddy and is survived by her loving mother Terri, her brother Ryan, her sister Jessica, a host of friends and family, and William Laird, the man with whom she was carving out a future and working to create a family of her own with…Stephanie is deeply, sorely missed.
Goodbye Stephanie, I wish things had ended differently.
A Private Celebration of Life will be held in her honor.
Terri and Ryan, We are so sorry to hear of Stephanie’s passing. No words can be said but know all of our love and prayers are going to you and your family.
Dearest Terri and family, My heart hurts for you during this time. Your family has endured so much in just a short period. The loss of a child is nothing that anyone or anything can prepare you for. Such a beautiful young women, in the prime of life. If it is some comfort, know that people care and thoughts are with you everyday as you move through this journey.
“You may be gone from our lives, but never from our hearts.”
Dearest Terri, words cannot express how incredibly sad we are for you, Ryan and your family. Remembering her smile, seeing her driving down the road in the golf cart having FUN, and watching you always wrapping your supportive arms around her, are memories that we will hold close. A beautiful little girl, teenager, and young adult – Stephanie, you will be truly missed!
I’m so sad to hear of Stephanie’s passing, she was a huge part of building the wedding business at Bay Creek/Aqua in Cape Charles and was my sidekick/little sis for a long time (an original CB if you’re in the know). Although we had lost touch the last several years I was always happy to know through the grapevine that she seemed to be doing well recently and was enjoying the life she was building in Chicks Beach. Thinking about all of her friends and family right now but personally comforted knowing she was greeted by her dad, who she loved so much, as well as our own Cape Charles angels, Cheech, Shane and Ned, they loved her too ❤️❤️❤️
Terri, I haven’t seen you to talk with you since this terrible news. Please accept our most sincere condolences on Stepanie’s passing. Since a bright and beautiful star she was. Will give you a big, big hug when I see you.
Terri, Pat, Olivia, Ryan and family members: Our deepest condolences in this difficult time. There are no words to provide comfort but pray to God to give you strength. May her soul rest in peace and light forever. Hugs to all of you.
Love,
Luis and Manuela
Terri,
So very sorry to learn of this difficult loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
We have known Stephanie and her family for years, she was a beautiful girl . we love her and her family and send our prayers and thoughts to them.
A beautiful soul has been taken from us. If you were fortunate enough to have ever been in Steph’s presence, you’d know how kind, sweet, hilariously funny, and unique this angel was. My absolute best childhood friend, she and her family have had an impact on my life like no other. She will be sorely and deeply missed. I will cherish our friendship forever, Stephanopolous
I’m am so saddened to hear of Stephanie’s passing. What a wonderful person and a beautiful soul I don’t have words just know everyone she met remembered her