Nellie S. Culligan

Nellie S. Culligan of Monticello passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025 at the Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility in Liberty at the age of 98.

She was the daughter of the late Lester Shaw and Gladys Smith Shaw of Woodbourne, NY, where she was born on November 13, 1926. She was a graduate of Fallsburg Central School District and married Floyd A. Culligan of Monticello on February 9, 1946, at the Reformed Church in Woodbourne.

Nellie retired from 25 years of service to Sullivan County in the Planning and Economic Development department, also secretary to the Sullivan County Park and Recreation Commission. She was a member of the CSEA Union where she was honored with a plaque for being its secretary/treasurer, going on to be a member of the CSEA Retirees of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties. She also worked for NYSEG where she met her husband in the early years.

Nellie was a member of the United Methodist Church of Monticello for over 75 years, a member of its choir for over 30 years, worked in Noah's Arch Thrift Shop since its inception and over the years she was president and secretary of the Wesleyan Service Guild. She was also a member of the Monticello Grange #1357 for over 50 years, and was its Master and Pomona, also being a member of the Sullivan County Pomona Grange and New York State Grange.

She was a member of the Monticello Senior Citizens, where she served as financial secretary and vice-president. She worked and participated in the Sullivan County Senior Games where she won numerous medals. Nellie received special recognition in the years 2003 and 2015 by being named Town of Thompson Senior of the year, plus in 2015 she was named Sullivan County Senior of the year. She was also affiliated with the RSVP program of the Office for the Aging, sang with the RSVP Entertainers, was a member of the AARP, was a former member of the Sullivan County Historical Society. Lastly, Nellie enjoyed her family and doing "search a word" and spending time with her many friends.

Nellie Culligan is survived by a daughter, Kathleen Kelley; one son, Timothy F. Culligan and his wife, Beth; a son-in-law, Philip Speer, all of Monticello, NY; seven grandchildren, Collene Kelley and Scott Kelley of Monticello, NY, Shawn Speer and wife Amanda of Tuckahoe, NY, Kevin Speer and his wife, Cyndi of Milford, PA, Timothy P. Culligan of Lewisburg, PA, Channyn Culligan of Cleveland, OH and Courtney Culligan and future husband, Colin Johnson of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; eleven great-grandchildren, Bennett and Olivia Lopez of Monticello, NY, Chaz Kelley of Monticello, NY, Addyson Speer of Tuckahoe, NY, Grayson Speer of Milford, PA, and Taylor, Alexus and Allison Culligan of Lewisburg, PA; and step great-grandchildren Ayden, Dylan, and Hunter Buchell of Milford, PA. She is also survived by Greyson Flanagan, great-great grandson and Violet Pontius, great-great granddaughter and three nephews, Robert Shaw (Linda) of S. Carolina, George Tonn (Renata) of Maryland and Michael Culligan of Cooperstown, NY and many great nieces and nephews, her extended Bisland Family, and many friends. A special mention to Jane Culligan for the excellent home care and love that was received while she was able to stay in her home. Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility in Liberty, NY for doing all they could to make Nellie as happy and comfortable as possible.

In addition to her parents, Lester and Gladys Shaw, Nellie was predeceased by her husband, Floyd A. Culligan; her daughter, Susan Speer; and her two brothers, William and Harold Shaw.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, June 17 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello, and her memorial service will be then held at 2pm at the funeral home. Interment of her ashes will follow at the Hurleyville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the United Methodist Church of Monticello or to the Sullivan County Office for the Aging.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com