Shirley Pickell

Shirley H. Pickell, 83, of East Greenwich and Bonita Springs, Fla., passed away Sunday, Feb. 8, at Roberts Health Centre in North Kingstown, surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of Barry Pickell. They were married 60 years.

Born in East Stroudsburg, Pa., the daughter of the late Leo G. and Gladys L. (Staples) Heller, she had lived in East Greenwich since moving from Paoli, Pa., in 1968.

Shirley was a graduate of Haverford High school in Havertown, Pa. After graduation she was employed by Colonial Mortgage Co. and Whitney Chain Co. in Upper Darby, Pa., and at General Electric Co. in Schenectady, N.Y. Subsequently she assumed a valued role as mother and homemaker.

Shirley was a member of the United Methodist Church in East Greenwich. She was a past member of Warwick Country Club where she had served as co-chairperson of the Entertainment Committee. She also enjoyed volunteer work at Kent County Hospital.

Shirley was a loving and caring wife and mother who put family first in her day to day life while developing many enduring friendships in Rhode Island and Florida.

Beside her husband, she leaves two sons, Craig A. Pickell and his wife Sandra of East Greenwich, and Kirk E. Pickell and his wife Lorraine of Narragansett; a daughter: Vicki L. Pickell of Warwick; and five grandchildren, Curtis A. Pickell of Los Angeles, Calif., Kristen E. Pickell of Kansas City, Mo., Bryan B. Pickell of East Greenwich, Sean G. Pickell of Boston, Mass., and Kasey L. Pickell of Narragansett. She is also survived by a sister, Barbara H. Mozzone of East Norriton, Pa., a brother. Ronald G. Heller and his wife Margaret, of Havertown, Pa., and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are respectfully omitted. A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church in East Greenwich, 1558 South County Trail, on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org will be greatly appreciated.

The online obituary and condolence page can be found here.