Renee J. Russell

White River Junction, Vt. — Renee J. Russell, 66, died Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at home after battling cancer. She was born June 18, 1951, in Southborough, Mass., the daughter of Roland and Phyllis Chenard. Renee graduated from Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough, Mass. in 1969. In 1980 she was married to the love of her life, Daniel Russell in Washington, N.H. They eventually made their home in the Upper Valley. Renee was a jack of all trades when it came to work, but her true passion was cooking. She started her professional cooking career at the Hanover Co-op and before she knew it she was promoted as sous chef at the Hanover Co-op commissary kitchen in Wilder, Vt. During her time with the Co-op she made many wonderful friendships and was given the title “The Comfort Food Queen.” In 2014 she decided it was time to retire. Throughout her battle with cancer, she continued to cook as a volunteer at the Upper Valley Haven in White River.

Renee was a talented and passionate chef, her meals nourished her family during holidays and family gatherings. She was an avid reader and always had a great book to recommend. She loved mini golf and played regularly with a group of equally dedicated enthusiasts, even in the worst of weather. Her husband Dan, recently disclosed that before they had children they spent quality time fishing together at their favorite secret fishing hole. Dan and Renee were married for 37 years and they had many wonderful adventures together. Dan was a dedicated husband and his love shined bright and even brighter in the later years of her life. Her best friends were incredibly important to her and helped fill her life with joy and laughter. Renee was the proud mother of five children and found great joy in helping them become the people they are today. She was always quick with a pun, enjoyed dancing, and always put the needs of others in front of her own. She loved to relax with a good book, spend time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Dan; three sons, Seth Dunnet and his wife Heather of Thetford, Vt., Jason Dunnet of Vershire, Vt. and Joseph Russell of Quincy, Calif.; two daughters, Jennie Russell of Burlington, Vt. and Carrie Russell of Scituate, Mass.; a brother Roland Chenard of Hopkinton, Mass.; a sister Jennifer Fontaine and her husband Arthur of Southport, N.C.; as well as her beloved grandchildren Emma, Elijah and Oliver Dunnet.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 12 at the Lyme Center Academy Building in Lyme, N.H. at 1 p.m.

Condolences to Renee’s family may be made in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers or gifts the family wishes that donations be made in Renee’s name to the Upper Valley Haven, 713 Hartford Ave., White River Junction, VT 05001.