Dr. (Alice Petronilla) Russell Earnshaw

In loving memory- Dr. (Alice Petronilla) Russell Earnshaw passed away in the early hours of January 21st. 

“Russel” was born and raised in London, England, and obtained a Ph.D. in entomology at Berkeley University in California. She there met and married her Canadian husband Doug Munroe, a fellow entomologist, and together they worked for several years in remote areas of Sarawak, Borneo, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Southeast Asia, settling in New Zealand. 

After the untimely death of her husband, Russel moved from Auckland to Vancouver, B.C. in 1982 where she acquired an MA in Counselling Psychology, specializing in addictions and dual diagnosis clients until her retirement in 2003.  She then moved to Vernon, B.C.

An avid outdoorswoman, she had easier access in Vernon to hiking and cross-country skiing trails. A passionate and loyal friend, a fantastic cook, and an outdoor adventure enthusiast who did solo backpacking trips through the wilderness well into her late 60’s, she also back-country skied and lead hikes and rambles in the Vernon Hiking Club well into her 70’s. 

Russel was also a passionate gardener and her knowledge of flora and fauna was legendary. A strong-minded, compassionate, kind and beautiful soul, Russel lived life on her own terms.  Never to be called eccentric (that was reserved for the rich, she said), she suggested herself to be “quirky” instead.

As an artist, she would take her sketch book on her outdoor adventures to capture the beauty of the wilderness that she so enjoyed.  Writing poems, making her own tree branch baskets, painting canvas rugs, photographing nature … her artistry became gifts — the delightful treasures friends retain.

Russel is survived by many many close friends here and around the world, her sister-in-law Elizabeth Munroe and her godchildren Charlotte Gleave Riemann, Noah Casey and Jessica Musoke.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: