Eileen Shelly Obituary

Eileen Shelly, 91, longtime Alpha resident, died on November 7 at Gracedale Nursing Home, Nazareth, PA. Born: Mrs. Shelly was born in New York City on August 17, 1921. Personal: She was the daughter of Oscar Johnson, originally from Sweden, and Julia McCarthy Johnson born in Ireland. Mrs. Shelly attended Girls' Commercial High School in Brooklyn and became proficient in typing and shorthand, skills that would stand her in good stead all her life. Her first job was as a secretary at the offices of Wells Fargo in the Manhattan financial district. Just after the end of World War II, she met her future husband, James Shelly, at a meeting of the Gaelic Society of New York, a group dedicated to Irish culture, music, language and literature. They were married in 1946, and moved to Belvidere, New Jersey, where Mr. Shelly taught English at Belvidere High School. Mr. Shelly later became a well-known reporter and columnist at the Easton Express, now the Express-Times. The young couple then moved to Alpha, New Jersey, and began raising a family of four children. After her youngest child started school, Mrs. Shelly set out to fulfill a lifelong dream of earning a college degree, a simple wish that turned into a quest lasting many years. With the support of her husband and family, she graduated from Trenton State University summa cum laude in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. In 1970 she earned her Master's Degree in Education at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in 1977 achieved her doctorate at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. At the same time, Mrs. Shelly raised four children and worked full time as a teacher in the Phillipsburg School District. She was also active in local organizations, including the League of Women Voters, and the pioneer organization of the La Leche League. She was a congregant of St. Mary's Church in Alpha. She also found time to maintain contact with her many friends. Love of learning was one of the guiding lights of Eileen's life, and she enjoyed helping children learn and grow, sharing her gifts with the 3rd grade children in her classes. She taught first at Reese School and later at Green Street School and finally Andover-Morris School, all in Phillipsburg. As the years went by she became an influential mentor to novice teachers. She retired in 1990, after 30 years in education. Her interests were many. She loved the arts, literature, especially poetry, writing and music. She published articles in the professional journal Education Today, and wrote fiction and poetry in her spare time. She was particularly fond of all kinds of music, and although she loved opera all her life, she also thoroughly enjoyed a really good rock song. Eileen's greatest bequest to her children, as well as her students, was her love of reading, of learning, of growing in wisdom and knowledge. She devoted herself completely and passionately to every challenge that came her way, whether it was her work, her children or her pastimes. Her goal was always to do her very best, and to live life purposefully and conscientiously. Although she was a person who held strong, carefully formed opinions, she was always open to new ideas and loved a lively discussion about things that mattered. Eileen had so much to give, and shared it freely and openly. She is at rest now after a life filled with laughter, love, and work that she enjoyed. Her memory still lives on in her children, grandchildren and friends. She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, James Shelly, who passed away in 1993. Survivors: She is survived by daughter, Mary Henry and her husband, Paul Henry of Holmdel, NJ; granddaughter, Tina Henry Bou-Saba and her husband, Joseph Bou-Saba; two great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Beatrice Bou-Saba, all of San Francisco, California; granddaughter, Carolyn Henry of Philadelphia, PA; daughter, Kathleen Shelly and her husband, Scott Kline of Milford, Delaware; son, James Shelly and his wife, Debra of Phillipsburg, NJ; and daughter, Eileen of North Brunswick, NJ. Services: A celebration of Eileen Shelly's life will be held on November 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman St., Phillipsburg, NJ. A brief memorial service will follow. Memorials: Memorial donations may be made in Eileen's memory to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C., 20013, to aid the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Published by The Express Times on Nov. 12, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Eileen Shelly

Not sure what to say?





Jim,
Jimmy and I were saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Terry Ferguson

November 19, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of loss. I have wonderful, warm memories of a summer I stayed with your family for a week. The love could be felt throughout the home and family. They were special people and can now once again be together.

Julia Malia/Bogari

November 13, 2012

Dear Shelly family, Mrs. Shelly was my 3rd grade teacher in the first year of Andover-Morris Elementary school. I have many fond memories of her. Those where wonderful years. Bless you all!

jeff huff

November 13, 2012

To the Shelly family..thoughts and prayers on the loss of your mother..she taught both my children and they always spoke very highly of Mrs. Shelly..

cheryl schaible

November 12, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to this lovely Alpha family.

Diane Dunwell-Hoffman

November 12, 2012

Jim
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. May all your fond memories keep her close at this difficult time.

Jamie from Christopher Troxell's office Eisel

November 12, 2012

Jim & Family,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Mother. May your memories comfort you.
Sincerely,
Phil & Donna Mugavero

November 12, 2012

A true loss of a great lady who has touched the lives of many and though she has gone on to a better place in eternity, she continues to touch people's lives in her amazing memories, life lived, and cherished attributes found now in her children & grandchildren. May the Lord bless and comfort your family at this time as she is now embraced in the arms of our savior. Rest in peace sweet lady

Bowlby Family

November 12, 2012

Dear Mary, Kathleen, Jim, and Eileen,
I am so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. I remember her and your father very well from our days growing up in Alpha. Your home was a very special one - filled with a sharing of ideas and culture. I always felt welcome when I visited.

They were two extraordinary people whom I will always remember.

Suzanne (Riddle) Isaksen

November 12, 2012

Mrs. Shelly taught me at Reese school when I was in 3rd grade. She wasa good teacher and taught us well.
Christine Testa-Rutt.

November 12, 2012

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Eileen Shelly's name

Memorial Events
for Eileen Shelly

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Eileen's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Eileen Shelly's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more