Shirley Helena Purcell

Shirley C. Purcell of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully on November 29, 2014 at the age of 90. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her family. The daughter of the late John A. and Helen May Collins, Shirley was born on July 25, 1924 in Newburgh, NY. She graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in. 1941. Shirley was employed by the Bell Telephone Company for 35 years, serving as an Office Manager for the Traffic Division of the company when she retired. Upon retirement, she moved to Charlotte, NC so that she could be close to her family. Shirley remained very active in retirement. Her volunteer activities included: working in the gift shop at Presbyterian Hospital Main , tutoring children at Piney Grove Elementary School, serving on the Parish Council at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and ushering at Ovens Auditorium and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Shirley loved reading, gardening, going to the movies, Broadway Plays and attending dance performances of her granddaughter, Allison. Shirley adored her granddaughter, Allison and grandson Ryan and loved spending time with them. Her great-grandchildren Kennedy, Collin, Odin, Reagan, John and Jackson were the light of her life. Shirley also enjoyed spending time with her friends and fellow ushers from Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and with her soul-mate and companion Max Wein. Shirley was predeceased by two brothers John G. Collins and Gilbert J. Collins her sister Virginia P. Gordon and nephew Michael Gordon. Survivors include: her son, Richard M. Purcell II and his wife Shane, granddaughter Allison P. Cyphers and her husband Christopher, grandson Ryan Purcell and his wife Ashley and great grandchildren Kennedy Purcell, Collin Purcell, Reagan Purcell, John Moore, Jackson Moore and Odin Cyphers. She is also survived by her niece Leigh Cleary and nephew Walter Gordon, great niece Tami Cleary, great nephew Shawn Cleary and great great niece and nephew Brett and Ava. The family wishes to thank their many neighbors, friends and especially Fr. Paul Gary for the loving kindness and care they provided during Shirley's final days. Special thanks go out to Dena and Audrey of Novant and Palliative Care for their excellent care and support. Shirley was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church of Mint Hill. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Shirley on Saturday, December 27 at 11:00 am at Saint Luke Catholic Church of Mint Hill, 13700 Lawyers Road Mint Hill, with inurnment immediately following the Mass. A reception at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made to St. Luke Catholic Church to purchase additional Assistive Devices used by the hearing impaired members of the parish. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.loweneddofuneralhome.com The family is being served by Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home of Charlotte, NC.

Shirley Helena Purcell

July 25, 1924 - November 29, 2014