Norma May (Russell) Kolesnikoff

SOUTH HAMILTON - Mrs. Norma May (Russell) Kolesnikoff, 95 of Salem and formerly South Hamilton died peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center in Peabody. She was the beloved wife of the late Andrew Kolesnikoff Jr. for seventy years.

Norma was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts and was the daughter of the late Carl and Ethel (Faulkner) Russell. She graduated from Beverly High School in 1947 and was ravenously excited for new experiences throughout her life. She enjoyed many vocations, including being a Real Estate broker, a waitress, she volunteered for hospice for many years, and trained to be an OR Technician and studied floriculture at the Essex Aggie.

Norma was deeply embedded in her community. She was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Woman’s Friend Society, both in Salem. Norma’s eye for aesthetics beautified the flowers on the St. Peter’s altar regularly. An enthusiast of science fiction, she was an original Trekkie, an avid reader, a treasure hunter at yard sales, and a social butterfly who hosted the most wonderful gatherings.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Alicia Kolesnikoff of Beverly and Karla Jackman and her husband, Stephen of Edinberg, VA; her cherished granddaughter, Bridey Murphy and her husband, Zachary Mohr of New Orleans; and her dear nieces and nephew: Christine Norma Lauersdorf, Cheryl Fiore, Robert Clark, Sarah Tanzella, and Carol Ann Sunde and her great-niece, Leslie Lauersdorf. In addition to her parents and husband, Norma was predeceased by her siblings, Carl Russell, Jr., Shirley Swain, and Betty DeCarlo.

ARRANGEMENTS: There will be celebration of life at a later date. Norma and Andy’s bench gravesite is located in Hamilton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Norma’s memory may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice Service, 75 Sylvan St. Danvers, MA 01923. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com