Danielle Russell

Born May 21, 1977, in Jamestown, NY to Francesca Bonta and Frank Basile. Danielle was a wonderful child to raise. Always so mature for her age. She decided to be a teacher after her first day of kindergarten.

Always having high grades, she still had time to be a cheerleader, be in the band and jazz band, chorus and dance. Her very favorite thing to do every year was to be in the school musical.

Danielle graduated from Cassadaga Valley High School in 1995. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Master of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Fredonia State University in 1998 and 2007, her School District Leader Professional Certification and School Building Leader Professional Certifications from St. Bonaventure University in 2023 and 2024.

Danielle was a very kind, caring and loving woman. She devoted herself to her family and her work in education. She made an ideal teacher and principal who went above and beyond for all her students and staff.

Danielle Russell

Danielle started her teaching career at Roanoke Rapids, NC from 1998 to 2001. She moved back to Jamestown and taught at Love Elementary School from 2002 to 2018. Still with Jamestown, she then became the Coordinator of Literacy from 2018 to 2020, and from 2020 to 2021 she became the Coordinator of Elementary Education. Danielle then moved to Dunkirk City School District as Director of Special Education from 2021 to 2023. In 2023, Danielle became the Principal of School 7 and then School 5. She loved being the principal along with her students, staff and families.

In 2005, Danielle met her husband, Will Russell. They fell in love and married on April 10, 2007, in a beautiful Las Vegas wedding.

On Feb. 21, 2009, Will and Danielle were blessed with twins William and Carly, which made their home complete, along with their boxer dog, Ellie Mae.

Danielle loved being with family and enjoyed their many trips to Disney and Las Vegas. All our great memories will live in our hearts forever.

Besides Danielle’s husband, children and parents, Danielle is survived by two very loving brothers, Alex Swanson and Bradley Swanson, his wife, Amy and their children, Aubrie and Jaxson, who were very special to her. She also is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Danielle is also survived by Will’s family, who she loved to visit in Alabama. Her mother-in-law, Pat Fairbanks, and her sister and brother-in-law, Tammy and Rusty Barber. Her niece, Brandy and Mark Jones, and great-niece, Oliva Jones.

Danielle was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Mildred Condon and Angelo Bonta, and Pam and Joe Basile, great-grandparents, Frank and Mamie Condon.

A private memorial service will be held in Danielle’s honor. In lieu of flowers, the family urges you to donate to either the current Go Fund Me or make a donation in Danielle’s name to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation that will be used to establish a Scholarship Fund in her memory. To share condolences and memories please visit www.lindfuneralhome.com.