Exsandra Elcewicz Science Scholarship

This Scholarship was established in honor of Exsandra Elcewicz. At age 53, Exsandra passed away due to glioblastoma. She left this world the same way she lived it, surrounded by people who loved her deeply. Born on December 21st, 1970, she was the daughter of Joseph and the late Margaret (Kemp) Russell. Exsandra grew up in Melrose and was a graduate of Melrose High School. She later went on to graduate from Salem State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minored in Chemistry. She had an immense love for science and spent her career working in the pharmaceutical industry. Up until the time of her diagnosis, she was working as the head of bioanalytics at Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

Well known for her chocolate chip cookies, Exsandra was an excellent baker. She enjoyed baking on the weekends and for holidays and was particularly fond of Thanksgiving. She approached every task with an eye for detail and a desire to get it done well. Whether it be putting together a swing set for her grandsons, fixing something around the house, or working within her career, you could always count on her to give her full attention to the task at hand. She loved anything chocolate, heated blankets, candles, and home improvement shows. To be loved by her was a privilege as she was both a devoted mother and grammy who would have done absolutely anything for her family.

Although she is no longer with us, it would be wrong to say she lost her battle with cancer. Throughout the year of her sickness, she endlessly demonstrated what true strength and courage looks like. She laughed often, faced each day with a positive attitude, and never gave up fighting. Cancer may have physically taken her from this world, but it was never able to break her spirit. Her kindness, wit, and perseverance shone through until the very end.

Exsandra was the wife of Raymond A. Elcewicz of Wakefield. She is survived by her father, Joseph Russell of Melrose, her sister Elisa Russell of Methuen, her brother Charles Russell and wife Kristen Russell of Chelmsford, her brother Robert Russell and wife Katie Russell of Georgetown, her mother and father-in-law Beverly and Joseph Elcewicz of Wakefield, sister-in-law Tammy McDonald and her husband Bobby McDonald of Wakefield, brother-in-law Joseph Elcewicz of Wakefield, her son Raymond P. Elcewicz and wife Shannon Elcewicz and their children Joseph and Theodore Elcewicz of Beverly, her daughter Kaylie Elcewicz of Wakefield and her boyfriend Robert Troisi of Revere, her son Nicholas Elcewicz and his fiancée Roxhana Margolis of Wakefield, son Jaxson Elcewicz of Wakefield, as well as many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, close friends and extended family. She is predeceased by her mother Margaret (Kemp) Russell.

The world needs more scientists like Exsandra. The Exsandra Elcewicz Science Scholarship was founded to help students pursuing a career in science.