Shirley (Welsh) Connell , VRHS Class of 1944
RENSSELAER -- On Monday, November 22, 2021, Shirley Welsh Connell joined the angels in Heaven at the young age of 94. Born to James and Helen Welsh on January 17, 1927, Shirley grew up in Rensselaer and graduated from Rensselaer High School. Shirley worked for Hyuck's Felt Company before meeting her husband, James R. Connell Sr. They were married in 1954 and raised seven children. Shirley enjoyed singing, bowling, softball, crosswords and word searches. She babysat for many children in her later years. She rescued animals. She loved spending time with her many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley was predeceased by her parents; husband; siblings, James and Donald Welsh, Lillian Dominski, Virginia Welsh, and Janet Wagner; and sons, John and Frank Connell. She is survived by her brother, Frank (Helen) Welsh; sisters, MaryJane (Richard) LaPorta, and Helen DiTullio; and sister-in-law Jane Welsh. She is also survived by her loving children, James Jr., Patrice (Richard) Sultan, William, Dennis (Denise), and Michael (Trudy) Connell; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the Shaker Place Rehab and Nursing Center, Meacham Unit staff for taking Shirley into their home and treating her like a loving family member. Interment in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in East Greenbush. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY, 12204 would be appreciated.