Funeral was well-attended

The funeral of Peninsula resident Ms Deb Russell was held on Friday, January 14,at the Greenway Chapel, Green Point, after her recent death from cancer.

More than 500 people attended the funeral and about 150 people attended a wake.

Ms Russell had been living on the Peninsula for around 35 years and dedicated herself to her family and various charities including volunteer work, Volunteers in Policing, Blue Light Discos, religious teachings, fundraising, charity work and as a marriage celebrant.

Ms Russell had begun collecting cabbage patch dolls in an attempt to keep herself occupied while quitting smoking and to raise money for needy children.

"Each one of my more than 100 cabbage patch dolls was chosen with a real love of the healthy looking and gorgeous kiddiness I feel for these quirky little dolls," said Ms Russell in a biographical story on her website.

"They make me smile as I pass by them, they ask and expect nothing of me and the joy they bring me just from looking at them could only really be described and understood by other doll lovers.

"Anyone could well appreciate the fact that they represent strong, healthy, happy well cared for, much loved, unique and diversely coloured children of the world."

From Ms Russell's collection of cabbage patch dolls she initiated a crusade, aiming to collect $1 from everyone who have loved a doll and who has a heart for helping needy and neglected children.

Ms Russell dressed all her 150 dolls in designer clothes and turned them into collectable items.

"The $1 you invest in these children will then entitle each donor to be in the running to win one of the 100 dolls from my precious collection of Cabbage Patch Kids."

The Community and Hope Church at Umina, of which Ms Russell was a member is continuing to work on Ms Russell's cabbage patch crusade.

Ms Russell left behind three children Brenn, Mandy and Lorrie and two adored grandchildren Nikita and Shelby.

Email, 20 Jan 2011 Gaye Leggett,