With grace and dignity Margaret ‘Maggie” Elizabeth Oliphant Russell passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 24th at her home in Hatchet Lake surrounded by her children, daughters in law, and all of her grandchildren. She was 69 years young and lived a full life.
She is predeceased by her loving parents Major David Russell and Catherine (Robinson) Russell. She is survived by daughter Iona Russell, sons Kyle Schaffhauser and Martin Schaffhauser, their spouses Nigel, Kristen and Christa respectively; stepsons J. Granelli and Vajra Granelli, and stepdaughter Alexis Granelli. She was the proud grandmother of Morgan Haney, Callum Russell, Kael Schaffhauser and Gwenyth Schaffhauser. She is survived by her sisters Mary Russell, Cecilia Russell and Judy Russell, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her ex-husbands Kurt Schaffhauser and Jerry Granelli.
Maggie was born and raised in Scotland and started her family in the Black Mountains of Wales. She was one of the earliest students of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in the UK, and moved to Boulder, Colorado and finally to Halifax, Nova Scotia to be at the heart of the Shambhala world. She played an instrumental part in bringing the Shambhala teachings to North America.
Maggie is remembered for her vital presence and elegance in the world. Her sisters remember their father putting Maggie at the bow of his boat when they were coming into harbor in the Mediterranean. He did this to get the men’s attentions so that they would come out and assist with the docking.
She was always exploring, and lived with great courage her whole life. She was adored by all who knew her, she had an infectious, mischievous laugh and a beautiful smile. She was the life and soul of the party, an amazing cook and incredibly generous. She was always her own person, and remained strongly independent and brave to the end. She will be remembered by all who knew her.
– Iona Russell
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Maggie was a person of unfailing kindness, grace and generosity of spirit. The world was a better place for her presence, and our lives were all made more joyful for knowing her. -Douglas Penick
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