Eda Russell Carroll, a woman of remarkable strength, intellect, and compassion, passed away peacefully on Friday March 28, 2025 at Care One at Essex Park in Beverly. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, determination, boundless generosity and a large loving family.
Born in Great Barrington, MA, on November 12, 1943, Eda was the beloved only child of Dr. Frank Marnell and Pearl (Irwin) Marnell. From an early age, she exhibited a fierce determination and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, qualities that would define her life and inspire those around her.
Eda’s career was a testament to her unwavering commitment to helping others. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Salem State Nursing School in 1978, she pursued a career in cardiac nursing, dedicating over two decades to caring for patients at Massachusetts General Hospital. Eda was known for her deeply compassionate ability to comfort, heal, and advocate for her patients, ensuring they were treated with dignity and respect.
Eda also enrolled in Suffolk Law School while working full-time as a nurse. She attended classes at night, driven by a relentless desire to expand her ability to help others. Passing the Bar in 1999, she used her legal knowledge to volunteer at Rosie’s Place, offering guidance and support to women in crisis.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Eda was a force of nature. A lifelong athlete, she embodied perseverance and strength, completing twenty-three marathons, including nine Boston Marathons.
Eda’s greatest joy came from her family. She raised her three children with her husband of 26 years Arthur Russell, and children James Russell, Alex Russell, and Patty Buiocchi—in Ipswich, MA, instilling in them the values of resilience, integrity, and kindness. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Alexis Ogiba, Andrew Russell, Chloe Russell, Samantha Buiocchi, and Patrick Buiocchi.
For over thirty years, she shared her life with her beloved husband, William S. Carroll, a partnership built on love, mutual respect, and adventure. She also embraced his three sons—Liam Carroll, Ryan Carroll, and Neil Carroll—as mother to them and she loved them deeply.
Eda’s infectious laughter, sharp wit, and boundless energy will never be forgotten. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, the lessons she imparted, and the love she shared so freely.
A private funeral service will be held. There will be no visiting hours. Burial will be in the New Highland Cemetery 29 Town Farm Road, Ipswich. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eda’s memory to Rosie’s Place, www.rosiesplace.org Arrangements are under the direction of the Morris Funeral Home of Ipswich. To send a condolence to Eda’s family please go to: MorrisFH.com .
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Eda Russell Carroll, please visit our floral store.