Veronica Anne Russell, award winning performer and costume designer, succumbed to complications from a brief illness on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014, at the age of 44 in New Orleans, La.

She was born on July 22, 1970, in Mount Pleasant, to Gerald W. Russell and Candace (Byrne) Russell.

She was a graduate of Nacogdoches High School and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches.

In her 20 years of living in New Orleans, she had a significant impact on the arts community. She was awarded a Big Easy award for Best Actress in a comedy for her performance in "Venus in Fur" in 2013, as well as for Best Costume design for "The Boys" in the Band in 2011 and "Camelot" in 2009. Her interest in costuming and storytelling became her life's work that touched a wide range of the New Orleans community, most notably as the artistic director of Louisiana History Alive whose performers assume the characters of the state's most prominent figures. In addition, her portrayal of Edna Gertrude Beasley in her one woman show entitled "A Different Woman: A True Story of a Texas Childhood," directed by Perry Martin, took her to various festivals throughout the United States and Canada.

Survived by her parents, Gerald and Candace Russell, of Fulshear; grandmother, Mary Libby Russell, of Bullard; sister, Amy Russell McConnell, brother-in-law, Shannon McConnell, niece, Erin; and nephew, Maverick McConnell, all of Katy. She leaves behind many aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as many friends whose lives she touched in her short lifetime.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Dr. Edward T. Byrne, Mary "Eddie" Byrne, and Robert G. Russell.
Visitation will be held at Guardian Angel Catholic Church, Wallis, on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. Funeral mass will be held at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Wallis on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, followed by a graveside service.

Pallbearers are Bob Russell, Shannon McConnell, Chris Lane, Todd d'Amour, Michael Cerveris and John Raney.

Veronica Anne Russell, award winning performer and costume designer, succumbed to complications from a brief illness on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014, at the age of 44 in New Orleans, La.

She was born on July 22, 1970, in Mount Pleasant, to Gerald W. Russell and Candace (Byrne) Russell.

She was a graduate of Nacogdoches High School and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches.

In her 20 years of living in New Orleans, she had a significant impact on the arts community. She was awarded a Big Easy award for Best Actress in a comedy for her performance in "Venus in Fur" in 2013, as well as for Best Costume design for "The Boys" in the Band in 2011 and "Camelot" in 2009. Her interest in costuming and storytelling became her life's work that touched a wide range of the New Orleans community, most notably as the artistic director of Louisiana History Alive whose performers assume the characters of the state's most prominent figures. In addition, her portrayal of Edna Gertrude Beasley in her one woman show entitled "A Different Woman: A True Story of a Texas Childhood," directed by Perry Martin, took her to various festivals throughout the United States and Canada.

Survived by her parents, Gerald and Candace Russell, of Fulshear; grandmother, Mary Libby Russell, of Bullard; sister, Amy Russell McConnell, brother-in-law, Shannon McConnell, niece, Erin; and nephew, Maverick McConnell, all of Katy. She leaves behind many aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as many friends whose lives she touched in her short lifetime.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Dr. Edward T. Byrne, Mary "Eddie" Byrne, and Robert G. Russell.
Visitation will be held at Guardian Angel Catholic Church, Wallis, on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. Funeral mass will be held at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Wallis on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, followed by a graveside service.

Pallbearers are Bob Russell, Shannon McConnell, Chris Lane, Todd d'Amour, Michael Cerveris and John Raney.