Stella Jedrysik Russell died on February 13th 2026 at the age of 101. Stella was born in Manchester NH on July 26th 1924. She was one of five children of Aniela and Antoni Jedrysik who immigrated from Poland.

Stella grew up in Manchester and worked as a page at the Manchester City Library while a junior and senior at Central High School. She worked 26 hours a week and received $.10 an hour or $2.60 a week. Her hourly wage was increased in her senior year to $.15 an hour.

Stella graduated from Central High School at the age of 16 as Salutatorian. After high school, she immediately went to work at the Travelers Insurance Company where she eventually was the secretary for the Fire Manager. After four years, she began working at the Veteran’s Administration Office and eventually worked at the VA Hospital prior to its opening in 1950. After her children entered school, Stella returned to the VA and her last job before retiring was Secretary to the Chief of Staff.

Stella met John Russell and they married in 1950. They had five children Stephen, Maureen, Daniel, Timothy and Peter. Stella also enjoyed decorating her house for holidays, particularly Christmas and hosting gatherings for family and friends.

Stella loved Scrabble! She was director of the local Scrabble Club for over 30 years. She enjoyed competing in many tournaments throughout the United States. At 99, she was the oldest competitor ever to participate in a Scrabble tournament in the nation.

Stella was a member of the Manchester Women’s Club since 1995. She attended St. Hedwig’s parish and sang in the choir for over 30 years. She was a member of the Women’s Guild at St Hedwig’s and enjoyed helping to make pierogi at the church for special occasions. Earlier in her life, she enjoyed bowling.

Stella was predeceased by her husband John, her sisters Madeline Tkacz Pellerin, Janet Pulaski, and Cecilia Machaiek and brother, Joseph Jedrysik. She is also predeceased by her sons Timothy and Daniel and her daughter-in-law Linda Moody and son-in-law Greg Hill. Stella is survived by her children Stephen, Maureen, Peter and daughter-in-law Judy Russell. She is also survived by her four grandchildren Andrea Russell, Adam Russell, Jesse Hill, and Joshua Hill, four great grandchildren Tatum Russell, Avett Russell, Miller Russell, Arlo Eustice Hill, and two nephews, Tom Pulaski and Paul Pulaski. Stella is survived by several grand nieces and nephews and great grand nephews and nieces.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Visitation from 8:45AM-9:45AM at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., Manchester, NH. Funeral Mass at 10AM at St. Hedwig Parish, 147 Walnut St., Manchester, NH. Burial to follow at St. Hedwig Cemetery, 71 Old Bedford Rd., Bedford, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Easter Seals of Manchester https://eastersealsnh.org/