Marcia Russell, born March 13, 1946, to John Russell and Carrie (Russell) Jones, passed away

on November 27, 2025.

Born to a father from Virginia, and a mother from Alabama, Marcia built her life in Winchester.

She was a familiar figure in town, known for her unmistakable sense of style. A flamboyant

dresser, she delighted in wearing bright colors and could often be spotted wearing one of her

many signature hats—some adorned with sequins or fur, others topped with a whimsical

propellor. Her wardrobe, like her spirit, was vibrant, joyful, and entirely her own. She brought

color everywhere she went, both literally and figuratively.

Marcia graduated from Winchester High School, Class of 1964, and continued her education at

Boston University, studying computer design and architecture, languages, and business ethics.

From 1967 to 1973, Marcia worked at Itek on projects involving experimental optical

technologies critical to NASA lunar missions and early concepts that led to projects like Hubble,

and contributions to early extraterrestrial communications efforts. She also consulted at WGBH

from 1971 to 1977 as part of the team that computerized the Channel 2 Auction.

In 1973, Marcia joined Digital Equipment Corporation. She managed the global infrastructure

that governed hardware reference data and part numbering strategies. She is credited—alongside

engineer Don White—with first coining the mnemonic “PC” for Personal Computer. Marcia

received recognition from both Xerox Corporation and Digital’s Executive Board for Excellence.

She retired in 2006.

Marcia’s contributions to her community were equally significant. She was a founding member

and board member of the Melissa Mason Memorial Scholarship (Now part of the Winchester

Scholarship Foundation), a founding member of Friends of Winter Pond, and a board member of

the Winchester Multicultural Network.

A woman of energy and curiosity, Marcia loved people, languages, art history, and the scientific

exploration of space and the oceans. She and her husband John Clarke traveled extensively. For

Marcia and John, travel was less about distance and more about discovery—uncovering the

overlooked, learning deeply, and building warm and lasting relationships across continents. Her

passions guided her to the great museums of the world in search of Vermeer, to opera houses and

composers’ homes, to historic sites connected to lost cultures, Indigenous histories, and spiritual

traditions.

She is survived by her Brother Bruce Jones and his wife Tina, her partner William Stamoulis,

and many Clarke family members. Marcia Russell will be remembered for her vibrance and

style, and her commitment to learning and the Winchester community. Donations may be made

in her name to the Winchester Scholarship Foundation.