Shirley P. Mercurius

On December 16, 2023, Shirley Mercurius passed away in the presence of her loved ones at Hamden Healthcare Center in Hamden, CT.
Born on July 7, 1923, in Georgetown, Guyana to late mother, Lydia Thomas, Shirley experienced 100 years of life, embedding love, life lessons, and joyful memories within the several generations of her descendants she was blessed to raise, kiss, and laugh with. She was a fundamental and strict disciplinarian in the lives of many whether you called her "Granny", "Mama Shirls" or "Sister Verle". The impact of this Good-In-Tent Sister's Village, Demerara, Guyana native is truly unforgettable.
As the Bible says, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18) and Shirley was no stranger to this way of living. If you were hungry or without a roof for the night, she had a plate and a blanket at the ready.
Shirley was an inspired cook with a passion for sewing, planting, and dancing. She was a homemaker and housewife, who could transform a humble home overnight for the holidays in shrouds of red with a hymn and a verse, ready to sing God's praise. Her joy and twinkling eyes will surely be missed this holiday season.
Shirley was welcomed home by her late husband of 63 years, Lennox F. Mercurius; late son and daughter, Roy Roach and Claudette Daniels; late sisters, Evelyn Thomas and Nancy; late grandsons Lloyd Case and Hilrod "Deon" Hodge; and late great-great grandchildren Jervon Mack-Lester and Alani Sankar.
Left to cherish and uplift her memory are daughters Merlene Roach, Irma Roach, and Myrthle Ricketts. Niece and nephew, Yvonne Franco and Charles Kellman, and special niece Anita of Brooklyn, New York; Linda and Avril Hodge, Donette Zimmerman; children of Late Roy Roach; Adrianne Fraser and Nigel Ricketts, children of Myrthle Ricketts; Lenox Haynes and Beverly Mulvanerty, children of Irma Roach; Sean Esajas and Calvin Daniels, children of Late Claudette Daniels; grandchildren Dorette "Jackie" Suggs (Haywood), Linden "Bungee" Case, Wendy Hodge, Troy Case, Alexis Daniels, Oswald Skinner, and Guillermo "Gilly" Redout; great grandchildren Sharon Mack, Shevonne Mack-Walker, James Mack Jr, Rawle Mack, Mark Sankar, Devon Sankar, Shawn Sankar, and Gregory Hodge; great-great grandchildren Brittany Palmer, Coleen Palmer, Briana Service, Nickeya Mack, Olyssa and Olivia Mack, James Mack III, Jayden Mack, Rawle Jr and Chene Mack, Julian, Javon Sankar, Amina Sankar, Malachi and Marley Sankar, and Imari Rose Hodge; great-great-great grandson Jasper Richardson; furry great grand babies Frausty and Charlie Palmer, Coco Walker, and Kenny Palmer; and a host of grands, greats, nieces and nephews, and friends, her legacy knowing no borders, crossing oceans to the lands of the UK, Guyana, Spain, US, Suriname, Antigua and many more.
As you dance, "gaff" and sing, we ask that you sing a little louder and laugh a little harder in her honor. Do not forget to tell people that you love them and how happy you are to see them with light in your eyes as she would. Enjoy the simple things, like they were clad in gold. And don't forget to thank the Almighty Lord Our God as she did.
We appreciate the care she received from the staff of Hamden Healthcare Center, friends, family, and all who loved and touched her life throughout her journey.