With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Pearl Russ Wheeler, beloved mother and grandmother who passed away on October 5,2026, at the age of 93. She was born on January 6, 1933, in British Columbia, Canada. Pearl was born into the Fireweed Fortress Clan among the Nass River Valley Killer Whale Tribe. She was bestowed with the hereditary name K'andox, which she later passed on to her niece, Selina. Her mother was Selina "Siwino'oskw" Russ (nee Lesk), the youngest daughter in the House of Wisin Xbil'tkw. Pearl came from a long matrilineal line of matriarchs of the Nisga'a First Nation of the Northwest Coast of British Columbia.

Pearl was truly a treasure to all who knew her. She was the last remaining member of her generation and lovingly carried forward the knowledge, traditions, and life lessons passed down through her family. She spoke fondly of her mother, whom she often interpreted and translated for, and her five older sisters- Adeline, Mildred, Eva, Elizabeth, and Violete. She especially remembered her sister Violete, who was so much older that Pearl sometimes thought of her as her mother. Violete and Elizabeth each took their turn making sure their little "Nellie", Pearl's middle name, had the best life possible.

Like each of her sisters, Pearl attended residential school at a young age. Afterward, her father, Johnathan Russ, a chief of the Wolf Clan in her childhood community, supported her continued education at Malaspina College in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Following his advice to explore what the world had to offer, Pearl worked in Toronto and California before ultimately planting her roots in Florida, where her "flower buds"-descendants: Morgan, Melissa, Melanie, Molly, and Marlee- have flourished and been lovingly nurtured.

Pearl was the best Gigi. She played an important role in always making sure her grandchildren were loved, cared for, and surrounded by family. Her grandchildren knew her as a source of comfort, wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love. The bond she shared with them was one of the greatest joys of her life, and the memories they made with their Gigi will be treasured forever.

Pearl also knew how to enjoy life. She loved getting dressed up, spending time with family, and going to the dog track, where she enjoyed watching the races and placing her bets. These simple joys along with her stories and sense of humor, were part of what made Pearl so wonderfully herself.

Pearl is survived by her children, Jennifer, Scott(JoAnn), Brian and Julia, her grandchildren Melissa(John), Melanie(Mike), Molly(Landon), Marlee, Kenny and Colin, and great grandchildren Dexter, Delilah, and Grace Lynne.

Pearl leaves behind not only her family, but the stories, wisdom traditions, and most of all the love she carried throughout her life.

Her advice to those growing up was simple: "Don't stay stuck. Live a little. Go and experience the joys of the world and have fun."

And that is exactly how Pearl lived-- with courage, curiosity, love, and an open heart. Her memory will live on through every generation that follows her.

A Celebration of Pearl's life will be Saturday 10/17/26 at Lillian's Sports Grill, 5393 Roosevelt Blvd #6, Jacksonville, FL from 1 -3 pm.