Priscilla Belyea Trussell

Priscilla Belyea Trussell of Needham, Dedham and Sarasota Florida passed away on October 16th in the loving care of her family and North Hill. She was predeceased by her parents Flora May Herald Belyea and Norman Parks Belyea, her daughter Pamela T. Duggan, her grandson Andrew S. Todd, her nieces Susan Blair and Meredith Rowen and her brother-in-law David Rowen. She is survived by her lifelong companion, faithful caregiver and loving husband of 68 years Philip Arthur Trussell. She is also survived by her sister Virginia B. Rowen, her daughter, Heather A. Todd (partner Bill Tigano) and son-in-law Thomas P. Duggan (Elizabeth), grandchildren Abigail P. Todd, Sally A. Todd, Scott E. Todd and Matthew P. Duggan (Theresa), sister-in-law Sally T. White, her great granddaughter Molly E. Duggan and several nieces and nephews.

Priscilla was born on January 5, 1934, and grew up in Milton. She graduated from Milton High School and Simmons College where she was active in student government. After graduation she returned to her summer job in the personnel department of the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, and shortly thereafter was appointed Personnel Director. Two years later she joined Phil who was stationed in Maryland with the Army Reserves. They returned to Massachusetts in 1959 where Priscilla commenced a busy career as a mother, model, professional figure skater, skier, watercolor artist, and golfer. One of her greatest satisfactions was the accomplishments of her special needs skaters who she taught as a volunteer instructor for the Needham Park and Recreation Commission. She and Phil loved to travel and were fortunate to have visited 33 of the United States and 27 countries where they made many friends in conferences and enjoyed worldwide golfing. She loved Christ Church and its Christian traditions especially Bible study led by Tracy.

Priscilla was a beautiful person, graceful and stylish in all her pursuits whether she was modeling the latest fashion, performing jumps and school figures on ice, schussing down her favorite trails in NH or Utah, driving a Titleist 200 yards, or taking the wheel of a sloop passing through the Reversing Falls on the St. John River.

She served in volunteer positions for many organizations including the Charles River YMCA, Chestnut Hill Skating Club, Needham Golf Club, and the Meadows Country Club (Sarasota Fl.)

The family would like to thank and acknowledge those who took exceptional care of Priscilla in recent years, including her Rector Nick Morris-Kilment who provided personal communion to Priscilla and Phil during her illness. Also greatly appreciated was the staff of Pines Edge at North Hill and her nurse Quynh Le, in addition to the wonderful care team of Good Shepherd Hospice.

Burial service is private. Funeral Service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Ave, Needham MA 02494 on Monday October 21st at 12 noon with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pricilla’s memory can be made to the Pamela Trussell Duggan Memorial Fund at Tabor Academy, 66 Spring Street, Marion, MA 02738. 

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/32132/donations/new?a=1a

The instructions for online giving are “Select Other” as a designation and write “Pamela Trussell Scholarship” in the gift instructions.

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