Hazel Ann Russell

Hazel Ann Russell passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on September 4, 2025. Hazel was the wife and co-conspirator of David Allison Russell, her husband of 68 years. Along with Dave, she leaves behind three daughters, Karen, Kristen and Kathryn, six grandchildren, and countless dear friends whose lives she touched with her humor, her generosity and her strength.

Hazel was born in 1938 in Redondo Beach, CA. She married Dave in 1957, and they soon found their way to their beloved Kirkland, WA, where they raised their daughters and built their wonderful lives. Hazel owned the town book store, The Bookshelf. She earned an AA degree in accounting at Bellevue College, then put her formidable skills to work helping to get exceptional candidates elected to local political office, including serving as treasurer for Jay Inslee’s earliest run for governor.

Hazel was a force of nature. She was constantly in motion, raising kids, volunteering in the school library, teaching accounting and knitting classes, organizing fundraisers for local schools and liberal causes. She was a voracious reader, and she was known for her exquisitely beautiful needlework. Along with Dave, she was also a constant, supportive and loving presence in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives.

A celebration of life will be held at Timber Ridge at Talus, 100 Timber Ridge Way in Issaquah, on September 28 at 1:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Hazel are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Hazel’s favorite charity, MEOW Cat Rescue in Kirkland.