THORBURN – Irene Maye (Tanner) Russell, Thorburn, passed away Monday, November 2, 2009 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in Thorburn, Irene was a daughter of the late Eugene Keith and Mildred Florence (MacEachern) Tanner. She was a member of Union Presbyterian Church, Thorburn and Dorcas Rebekah Lodge, No 42. Thorburn. In early years she had been employed with The Evening News. Upon her marriage, she became involved with various Presbyterian Church congregations, in the Maritimes and Ontario. Later, she became a qualified early childhood educator and had worked with special needs children in Truro. Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Rev. Robert G. Russell; nieces, Lara (Elden) MacDonald, Thorburn and their children, Tanner and Maya, who were the joy of her life; Nora gene (Randy) Ball, Bedford; sister, Lois Pepper, Halifax. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Gene MacDonald; brother-in-law, Alex MacDonald; nephews, Dana MacDonald and Reece Goodwin. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5th in Union Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jeff Lackie officiating. Private interment will be in Thorburn Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow