Alice Mae Russell, of Aloquin, NY, died peacefully in her sleep on January 6, 2026. Born on February 13, 1933, in Canandaigua, N.Y., Alice Mae was the daughter of Edgar and Margarette Jones. From an early age, Alice Mae demonstrated kindness, caring, and compassion, which she eagerly shared with those around her throughout her life.
Alice Mae received her education at Gorham Central School and went on to graduate from the University of Rochester with a B.A. in Education, with which she pursued a career as an elementary school teacher. Over the years, Alice Mae was widely respected as an excellent and creative teacher who brought the gift of reading and writing to approximately 1,000 students. She leaves a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and community.
Beyond professional life, Alice Mae found great joy in music, gardening, cooking, volunteer work, and family. For years, she led the choir and played organ on Sundays at Aloquin Methodist Church, filling the small church with moving hymns. Alice Mae gardened and grew delicious tomatoes that were summertime favorites. Alice Mae volunteered at Thompson Memorial Hospital in the gift department and at Sonnenberg Gardens admitting guests. She is fondly remembered for mixing a mean Manhattan cocktail, as well as for her excellent meals and hot fudge sundaes. Every summer, Alice brought her children and grandchildren together to spend precious time with each other and to enjoy special outings to the lake, a riverboat ride from New Orleans up the Mississippi, a dude ranch in the Adirondacks, and other memorable excursions that will be treasured forever.
Alice Mae is survived by her children, Mark Russell (Lisa), Tamorah Cancilla (Braden), and Jeff Russell. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Michael Corbett (Carolyn), Mathew (Margaret) and Mitchell (Caitlin) Russell, Brenna and Alyssa Cancilla, as well as her step-grandchildren – Ciara (Ty) Smith, Aislinn McCarthy (Jacob Anderson), Erina and Declan McCarthy, and great-grandchildren Brooks Russell, Claiborne Corbett, Alessia Mae, and Leo James Anderson. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Pat Jones, Jinny Loomis, and Barbara Hamlin.
She was preceded in death by her brother Donald Jones and spouse Stephen Russell. A celebration of life service to follow in April (details to follow). The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the EE Ewing Continuing Care Facility for their care, compassion, and support during this time. Alice Russell will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.
Please visit www.perkinsamesfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to Alice’s family.