Traverse City, Michigan - Olave Walker Russell, 81, of Traverse City, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026. Olave was known for her unusual name; for fostering life-long friendships between exchange students & families; and as an inquisitive and irreverent community member in Traverse City. She will be missed by many.

Olave was born in Grand Rapids, MI on August 20, 1944. She was the eldest child of Lyle Duane Russell and Mary (Walker) Russell. Her brother Duane (Lyle) Russell, next, and then twin siblings John & Margaret. She grew up in Traverse City, and graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1962. She attended Olivet College and Michigan State University, receiving a B.A. from Western Michigan University.

She taught elementary school at St. Jude's Catholic School in Grand Rapids; returning to Traverse City to raise her own family.

She was a reporter, photographer and editor at The Preview Community Weekly. She also worked in the Patient Service Dept. at Munson Medical Center, and was with ASSE in placing foreign exchange students to foster better international understanding. She enhanced her own experience and understanding through travel to Austria, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Finland, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, and Switzerland.

Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren and cats.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Daniel McIntyre (Kim) and Stephanie Breckenfeld (Matt). Grandsons Jackson, Conner and Dane. Brothers John Russell (Meg), Lyle Russell and sister Margaret Orao (Daniel).

Olave was preceded in death by her parents Mary Russell and Lyle Russell; and her sister-in-law, Ellen Russell.

A gathering for friends and family will be held on Sunday, August 2 from 1-3 pm at City Opera House in downtown TC.

Condolences may be shared at www.mykeeper.com/Olave