Shirley M. Newell

LINCOLN - Shirley M. Newell, of Lincoln, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 8 – a few weeks shy of her 83rd birthday. She was the wife of the late E. Warren Newell and the only child of the late Thomas J. King and Hazel M. Strong King.

Shirley graduated from Norton High School and Sturdy Memorial Hospital–School of Nursing. She began her career as a registered nurse at Memorial Hospital and after a brief time raising her young family, became a private duty nurse primarily at the Miriam Hospital. She finished her career as a registered nurse at Grandview Nursing Center.

Shirley was blessed with the gift of gab and was a great storyteller. She loved to sing and was able to recall the lyrics of World War II songs that her Uncle Bill taught her when she was small. Her last year was spent as a resident of Grandview Nursing Center where, along with some encouragement from her roommate and friend May Paulhus, she learned to play Bingo, table bowling and explored her artistic abilities. In her spare time she enjoyed wordsearch puzzles and corresponding with friends and relatives. She loved family gatherings, knitting, reading and Yankee candles.

Shirley is survived by her children: Thomas Newell of Cumberland; Robert and Lori Newell of Salley, S.C.; Linda and Ray Boulet of Lincoln; John Newell of Lincoln; and Barbara and Kevin Plante of Cumberland. She is also survived by her grandchildren – Matthew Boulet of Lincoln; Amy Boulet of Lincoln, Robert Newell and Christopher Newell of Salley, S.C.; Amanda Van Pelt of North Smithfield; Michaela Plante of Cumberland – her great-granddaughter, Aislinn Pelletier Boulet of Cumberland and great-grandson, Logan VanPelt of North Smithfield; sister-in-law Irma H. Newell of Dunnellon, Fla. and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at Lincoln Funeral Home on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 4– 8 p.m. A private funeral will be held at the Newell Burial Ground.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Home and Hospice Care of RI, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI, 02904.