Shirley Nell

1926 - 2024

Shirley Nell
August 17, 1926 - January 12, 2024
Shirley Andrea Nell-Galvin, age 97, passed away peacefully at home in Windsor, CA, on 12 January 2024, surrounded by her children Kevin, Erin and Patrick Nell.

Shirley was the best-of-the-best; a wonderful, loving and giving person, intelligent and always watching out for the welfare of her family as well as keeping an insightful eye on local and world events.

She loved history, travel and the arts. She visited many amazing historic and natural sites all over the world and fondly remembered 'doing-the-town' in San Francisco celebrating the end of WWII.

Shirley was born in San Francisco on 17 August 1926 of her mother, Anita Galvin–Thom and her father John Galvin. Shirley attended Sequoia High School in Redwood city graduating with honors. She went on to attend UC Berkeley, where she joined Sigma Kappa sorority and earned her Bachelor Degree in economics.

She and Phil fell in love and married in 1951. They moved to Healdsburg where they founded Sonoma Wood Products and celebrated the arrival of their three children, Kevin, Erin, and Patrick. When Louisiana Pacific bought Sonoma Wood Products in 1970, Shirley and family moved north to Samoa, California, where Phil became general manager of all of Louisiana Pacific's California operations. Here is where Shirley learned how to fly a plane, served as co-pilot on many of the family adventures and began playing tennis in earnest. Upon Phil's retirement in 1981 he and Shirley moved to their cabin at Trinity Lake, where they spent many summers gathering with family and friends, traveling and enjoying the life they built together. They returned 'back home' to Sonoma County/ Windsor in 1989.

Shirley continued playing tennis throughout and did not stop her bi-weekly matches until her early 90's, being the oldest (wily veteran) on their four-some. Shirley was there for the passing of her much-loved husband, Phillip Edward Nell. Shirley spent the next 18 years, traveling with daughter Erin, visiting many historical sites and beautiful countries, as well as various travels with her sons, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Shirley loved spending time in the great outdoors hiking, kayaking and camping. Shirley also spent time volunteering and contributing to her community.

Shirley is predeceased by her husband Phil Nell, brothers Jack Galvin and Bobbie Galvin. Shirley will be greatly missed by her three children Kevin Nell, Erin Nell and her husband Nadr Kilani, Patrick Nell and his wife Lori Sanchez Nell, her two sons (Albert Tapia and Richard Blea), Grand children Jesse Nell and his wife Shasta Nell, Cebrina Nell, Nicholas Nell, many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

We would like to thank the team at Providence Hospice for helping mom and family through many challenging months. They helped mom to be as comfortable as possible and helped us through it all.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday 22 February 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at St. John's church. Located at 208 Matheson St. in Healdsburg Ca. 95448, reception to follow at Healdsburg Golf Club at Tayman Park, Located at 927 S Fitch Mountain Rd, Healdsburg CA. 95448. Funeral arrangements by Windsor Healdsburg Mortuary & Crematory, Windsor, CA.