Robert and Hannelore Russell were members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Dunkirk. They were so very special to many in our community.

They were 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 and Hanna in 1996. They were the Respect Life Committee chairs of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish. They, along with chairpersons and 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 all 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 and Hanna were always at the front of these activities; they traveled to Washington, D.C., 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 and 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 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 and 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 participate because of health.

It’s so easy to say this couple was involved in pro life but behind those words are days, months and 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!

Pat Morrelle is a member of the Pro Life Committee of Chautauqua County and the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Center in Fredonia.