Karon Russell Obituary (1957

Karon Campbell Russell, 68, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, passed away June 11, 2025, after a year-long aggressive battle with cancer. She passed away under hospice care at Swedish Hospital in Chicago, surrounded by the love of her family, friends, and coworkers. Born in Dundee, Scotland and raised in Evanston, Illinois, Karon attended St. Nicholas Grammar School and graduated from St. Scholastica High School in Rogers Park in 1975. She had many jobs over the years, starting with Wieboldt’s Department Store in Evanston. Karon worked as a paralegal, waiting tables, and enjoyed a long career at the Illinois Secretary of State, where she rose to District Manager for the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Gillans were a very proud Scottish family! The siblings were raised to be more Scottish than kids who actually grew up there. They frequently traveled to Scotland, attended Highland Games all over the United States, and attended summer camp in Nova Scotia to hone their Highland Dance skills and to learn Gallic. Karon was always active in local politics, starting from her time in Chicago. She was very efficient- a vibrant problem solver, and she always had a smile on her face. These attributes and hard work were always to the advantage of her employers. Karon’s coworkers were very important in her life- they were also friends. Karon cherished time at her home, which was just a mile from North Point Harbor, where she docked her boat. She loved reading and sleeping overnight on the water. Boating was a lifestyle for Karon and J.R., her husband of twenty years. Karon was always a big supporter of her nieces and nephews- she helped organize Highland Dance Competitions, drove around the Midwest for basketball tournaments, and brought the sunshine to birthday parties. She loved to dance and to sing, especially Janis Joplin. Loving wife of John Garhard “J.R.” Russell. Dear sister of Alex “Sandy” (Susan), Colleen, Leslie, and Gavin (Kate Burns) Gillan. Devoted aunt of Kyle, Andrew (Virginia), Colin, Ryan, Stuart, Allison (Eric Wilson), and Isla. Great-aunt of Quinn, Beau, and Bronx. Preceded in death by parents Alexander Brown Gillan and Frances Josephine Gillan (nee Mulholland). Proud momma of Rosie the Pitbull and the late Mia the Pitbull. The family is grateful for all the support at Swedish Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Illinois Saint Andrew Society https://chicagoscots.org/donate/ or Anti-Cruelty Society https://anticruelty.org/donate. A celebration of Karon's life is being planned. Please check back to this website for information. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.