Shirley Ann Davis Connell

Shirley A. Connell, 86

Troy - Shirley A. Connell, age 86, passed away Friday, February 25, 2011, at Van Rensselaer Manor following a long illness. She was the widow of Thomas F. Connell III whom she married on December 27, 1943. Tom predeceased her on January 23, 2010.

Born in Troy on August 21, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Frank S.B. Davis and Leona DeSilva Davis Hotaling, and the sister of Carolyn Davis Estabrooks of Troy.

Shirley was raised on Maple Avenue in Troy, enjoyed ice skating at Belden's Pond, and spending summers with her grandparents in Cropseyville. She was educated in Troy, at School #16 and was a 1942 graduate of Troy High School and Albany Business College.

Shirley was a homemaker and a devoted mother and wife. She was active in the community as a member of the Sacred Heart Mother's Club, Spring Little League Women's Auxiliary, East Side Senior Citizens and The Troy Ilium Club. She was employed by the Troy City School District, as a School Secretary in the Home Economics Dept. at Troy High School and Secretary to the Principal and Guidance Department of Doyle Middle School. Following her retirement in l987, Shirley enjoyed reading, knitting, spending time with her children, and attending her grandchildren's musical & sporting events. She especially loved the holidays & having her entire family together on Christmas Eve.

Shirley loved and raised her seven children: two daughters: Patricia (Thomas) Murley of Troy and Colleen (Larry) Smith of Syracuse; and five sons: Thomas F. Connell IV, David P. Connell Sr., Kevin P. (Colleen) Connell Sr., Terry P. Connell of Troy, and Timothy J. (Joan) Connell Of Wynantskill. She is also leaving behind 15 Grandchildren: Tom & Mickey Connell, Kate (Matt) Entwistle, Matt & Tom (Amber) Murley, Richard, Lynnsey and David (Kelly) Connell, Michael Toomey, Kasey, Kelly and Kevin (Chrystal) Connell, Terry Connell II, Brian & Carrie Smith and 8 Great-Grandchildren: Caroline, Luke & John Entwistle, Davey & Christopher Connell, Michaela Toomey, Patrick Thomas & Reese Connell. Shirley is also survived by Sisters-In-Law Dorothy Connell (late, George) Marcil of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and Mary Connell (John) Keyes of Los Altos, California, as well as several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by brothers-in-law, George Marcil Sr. of New Jersey, Jack Estabrooks, Martin W. Connell Sr. & sister-in-law, Helen Connell of Troy.

The Connell family wishes to thank the many people who have cared for Shirley; her wonderful at-home caregivers - Shirley T., Mary, Renae, Sheila, Theresa & Marguerite, as well as the staff of Van Rensselaer Manor, especially the nurses, Mary & Geri, and the aides of C-2, for the excellent care they provided for Shirley during her stay.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Tuesday, from 4-8 PM.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 9:30 AM at the funeral home and at 10:00 AM at St. Michael's Church 175 Williams Road Troy where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery in Troy.

Contributions may be made in Shirley's memory to the Alzheimer's Association , 85 Watervliet Ave., Albany, NY 12205.

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