Iris Lorraine Russell was born on September 24, 1925 in Washington, D.C. and passed of natural causes on February 5, 2021 in St. Margaret's MD. She grew up in Baltimore, MD and in addition to school spent her days playing baseball and caring for animals. She had a long career as a telephone operator and supervisor with the phone company, retiring from Verizon.

After marrying, Lorraine and her late husband build houses in Cape St. Claire, MD for themselves and her parents. They were active in the community and helped form and build the Cape St. Claire Volunteer Fire Department. She volunteered regularly with the department including driving the ambulance.

In 1976 they moved to their new house in St. Margaret's. As a life-long animal lover her houses were always shared with her animals, particularly dogs. She also enjoyed the area's wildlife and ever expanding her gardens.

She was known to some as Iris, to others as Lorraine, and fondly called Aunt Lorraine by her family. She was a feisty and independent woman who continued to work and care for her house after her husband's passing. After her retirement she enjoyed many years of growing and caring for her expansive gardens in addition to caring for her pets and the surrounding wildlife.

She is survived by her nephew Jeff Wark, Sr. whom she adopted as her son; his children Jeff Wark, Jr., Joshua Wark and Joy Butler; their mother Debra Boracki and 8 grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Lewis Russel; her brother Carlisle Wark; Jeff and Debra's son Jonathan Wark and her parents Ernest and Etheyln Wark.

She will be interred privately at Glen Haven Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held to remember Lorraine at such time as friends and family can once again come together without limitation or restriction. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County at www.aaspca.org or at 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD, 21403.

Online condolences may be made on www.barrancofuneralhome.com