Birdena Gayle Russell

Birdena Gayle Russell, 81, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away on Nov. 25, 2016.
She was born to the late Harry G. and Rose B. Nied on Feb. 1, 1935 in Detroit, MI.
She started her career as a news reporter with WCCF Radio; and then joined Herald News in Punta Gorda and finally WBBH in Charlotte County as a news correspondent.
After leaving the news business, she took on her dream job of  being a travel agent first for Promenades Travel and then going on to retire from AAA Travel Agency as Manager.
Birdena was a resident of Punta Gorda for 58 years; she was an active member in the community, involved in local politics and the growth of Charlotte County. After retiring from AAA, she was a volunteer at Charlotte Behavioral Health Care; she also worked restlessly as a volunteer when Hurricane Charley hit the west coast of FL. She had a passion for animals and football.
Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her three children; Dena (LJ) Hampton, Kathy Willcutts and Rob (Libby) Russell; grandchildren Teri Carter, Amanda Easley, Ashlea Geerts, Michael Willcutts, Lauren Merrill, Ryan Russell, and Jackie Russell; and nine great grandchildre...[more]

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br /> Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Tidewell Hospice or Animal Welfare League.