November 29, 2018  Prolife Committee of Chautauqua County

Bob & Hanna were was so very special to many in our community. They we not only pro-life but they respected all life, every day of their lives. As individuals and as a couple they actively supported the Pro Life Committee of Chautauqua County and the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Center.

I first met Bob & Hanna @ 1996/7. They were the Respect Life Committee chairs of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish. They, along with chairpersons & members of each of the Northern Chautauqua Catholic churches formed a group of pro-life advocates. The idea of strength in numbers to champion the cause of life from the womb to the tomb was the goal. Members did not know each other at the beginning, but God had His plan and became such good friends. At the beginning, they would meet in area churches to pray, learn about pro-life legislation, attend the Diocese of Buffalo pro-life activities and plan activities that would bring the cause for all life to the attention of the community. Bob & Hanna were always at the front of these activities; they traveled to Washington DC for the March for Life; participated and hosted many Rosary’s for Life, created a local Life Chain, and as a couple maintained the gardens around the Shrine for the Unborn in St. Mary’s Cemetery on Route 60 in Dunkirk.

There were a few years when their committee was reduced to only a few church representatives but Bob & Hanna were always there. Each month, the few would meet at the Russell home and continue their quest. Activities continued because of their dedication to respect life.

As time went on God continued His plan by bringing new members into the group and with this new strength, the Pro Life Committee of Chautauqua County was born. Members continued to meet at the Russell home with Hanna’s serving her wonderful homemade baked goods. With this new membership, the committee were able to continue their work and hold fundraisers to eventually open a place where young women, caught in an unexpected or unwanted pregnancy, could get help. Members wanted to be able to stand behind their conviction of “life from the womb to the tomb”. Bob & Hanna were there every step of the way, from the planning of what became the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Center in 2014, until they could no longer because of health, could participate.

It’s so easy to say this couple was involved in prolife but behind those words are days, months & years of planning and hands on, physical work and representation. Their love of God, family, friends and life cannot be written in a few words. Bob and Hanna Russell will always be in the hearts of their friends with thanksgiving to God for the gift of friendship. May they rest in Peace!

Respectfully & Lovingly,

Pat Morelle & Members of the Pro Life Committee of Chautauqua County & the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Center – Chautauqua Satellite