Our sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to Prospect Park long time residents Robin and Jo Rockwell as Jo recently lost her sister, Beth to a long battle with cancer.

Palm Beach Post – August 26, 2003

BETH RUSSELL, 44, POST EMPLOYEE, ENJOYED RENOVATING, ENTERTAINING SONJA ISGER, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Even on the most rotten of days, Beth Russell sought the simplest signs of joy. Twenty years battling a variety of cancers hadn't left her angry or morose, instead it fueled a love of a good day at the beach, a homemade watercolor card and lots of good meals with dozens of friends to share them with.

Saturday, however, cancer got the better of her. Ms. Russell, who worked in The Palm Beach Post's advertising and marketing departments for 15 years, died at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She was 44 years old. A native of Maryland, Ms. Russell came to West Palm Beach about 20 years ago, her partner, Laurel Guzzi, said. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. Later, she also fought breast cancer and finally, liver cancer.

But more importantly, she learned how to renovate old homes in the city's south end and how to entertain 30 people for dinner, Guzzi said.

"She had a huge circle of friends. She liked to travel. She liked adventure," said friend and co-worker Scott Velozo.

Ms. Russell is survived by Ms. Guzzi as well as two sisters and two brothers. Plans for a memorial service are in the works.