Emlyn Eleanor Russell passed away on January 11, 2017, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Born to John and Albertha(Palmer) Manning on July 24, 1938 in Maypen, Jamaica West Indies. Emlyn was raised in a loving home with her older sister, Gloria. After graduating from Wolmers High School for girls, she began a career in Human Resources, securing positions at the Ministry of Education and the United States Embassy. Emlyn married her high school sweetheart, Neville, in 1962, and three years later they were overjoyed with birth of their son, Nicholas. Emlyn emigrated to the United States in 1967, and celebrated the birth of daughter, Judith, seven years later.
Over the course of her life, Emlyn established and cherished an amazing network of friends. Nicknamed "Lady Em" by those who loved her, she was well known for her poise, etiquette, grace, and elegance. She enjoyed an enviable life, filled with extensive travel and celebrations with, and for her friends and family.
After retiring from her position of 25 years with Parker Jewish Institute in 2001, Emlyn and Neville relocated to Orlando, Florida. While in Orlando, she developed a love of gardening and was known for the beautiful landscaping that encompassed her home.
Emlyn will be so very missed and will be remembered for her intellect, wit, and unconditional love and acceptance of all who had the pleasure and honor to know her.
Emlyn was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, mentor, problem solver, and genuine motivator. She was the glue that held this family together and ultimately touched the lives of so many. Her love and spirit will remain in our hearts forever.
2016 marks the 125th Anniversary of the founding of The New York Botanical Gardens. To celebrate this milestone, the garden began a dramatic expansion of the historic Narcissus plants at Daffodil Hill in November 2015. Nothing quite captures the feeling of the coming of spring like a hillside blanketed with yellow and white blooms, each flower signaling a return to longer days and warm nights and spring's rebirth. In addition, in the United States, the daffodil is the official symbol for the American Cancer Association, symbolizing hope for a cure.
In lieu of flowers, the Russell family invite you to make Emlyn Russell's memory a part of this legacy. Emlyn was an avid gardener and lover of all flowers and foliage. Each contribution will support the planting of daffodil bulbs that will be part of this breathtaking display for years to come.
Gifts can be made in her honor and the honoree/our family will be notified of your thoughtful gift by a beautifully designed mailed card. Gifts of $25,000 or more will be recognized on seasonal signage at Daffodil Hill. Click here for more information about the Million Daffodils initiative. www.nybg.org/support_the_garden/gifts/daffodils.php