Obituary of Shirley Madden

On August 22, 2017, Shirley left this world to join her true love, best friend and husband of 49.years, Bob, whom she missed dearly from the day of his sudden death in 1996. Born February 11, 1927, she was the only child of Margaret Lucy Knell and Stratford Police Officer Frederick John Knell. Shirley graduated from Stratford High School in 1944 and over the years delighted in organizing many reunions for the "Class of '44." Following graduation, during World War II, Shirley joined The United States Cadet Nurse Corps and earned her R.N. Degree from the New Rochelle New York School of Nursing. During her career as an R.N., she received the Certification in Occupational Health and in 1981, was honored as "Connecticut Occupational Health Nurse of the Year." She was also appointed to the United States Institutes of Health Education Committee. Locally, Shirley served on the Boards of Directors of the Visiting Nurse Association, The American Red Cross, The American Cancer Society and as a member of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Speaker's Bureau. Her interests were many, including supporting Bob when he ran successfully for Stratford's first Councilman at Large. In 1960, she ran as an Independent for the CT State Legislature as John F Kennedy ran for President. From childhood, she enjoyed the gift of humor and tried to bring laughter into the lives of those around her. She always believed that God smiled on those who loved him and his children. She was a long time member of St. Lawrence Church. Shirley's most prized possessions were her three sons, Christopher, Bob Jr., and Michael. In February 2006, Bob Jr. was called to heaven to be with his Dad, another tremendous loss. Her Daughters-in-Law, Nancy and Regis, were the daughters she loved. The addition of grandchildren and their spouses, Kerry, Erin (Matt Morano), and Robert III (Allie Croze) brought her much happiness. The arrival of great grandchildren Jake, Kyle, Andrew, Ryan, Michael, Emma and Jack, made her a proud great grandmother. Son Michael introduced her to the music and antics of "The Highland Rovers" band, which stimulated many happy memories of her Grandmother, "County Kerry Mary." Her special friend and cousin, Charlotte, shared many happy days, secrets, and smiles with her. Throughout her life, friends were recognized as a gift from God and she loved and nurtured her relationships with classmates and fellow Cadets from her New Rochelle Nursing Class of '47. In 1997, Shirley moved to Aspetuck Village where she made many new and wonderful friends, including her "Card Ladies." She enjoyed the social activities and her "Beautiful Bocce Buddies" at Aspetuck, where she also wrote a humorous column entitled "Madd Moments" for "The Voice of the Village." Writing was always one of Shirley's most enjoyable pastimes and the creative ability of her sons {from beautiful cement work to musical madness) brought her great joy. During the 1950s, under the pen name of John Francis, she wrote a political column on the front page of the "Stratford News." As a final expression of her love, Irish humor and joy of writing, Shirley has written this last message and hopes that all her family and friends will rejoice with her in her long awaited reunion with Bob and Bob Jr. God Bless! Funeral services will take place on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. from the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull and at 10:00 a.m. in St. Lawrence Church, Shelton for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Stratford. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday from 4-8 pm.