Shirley W. Connell

Rensselaer- On Monday, November 22, 2021, Shirley Welsh Connell joined the angel's in heaven at the young age of 94. Born to James and Helen Welsh on January 17, 1927, Shirley grew up in Rensselaer, NY and graduated from Rensselaer High School. Shirley worked for Hyuck's Felt Company before meeting her husband James R. Connell Sr. They were married in 1954 and raised seven children. Shirley enjoyed singing, bowling, softball, crosswords and word searches. She babysat for many children in her later years. She rescued animals. She loved spending time with her many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shirley is predeceased by her parents; husband; siblings James and Donald Welsh, Lillian Dominski, Virginia Welsh, and Janet Wagner; and sons John and Frank Connell. She is survived by her brother Frank (Helen) Welsh; sisters MaryJane (Richard) LaPorta, Helen DiTullio; and sister-in-law Jane Welsh. Also survived by her loving children James Jr., Patrice (Richard) Sultan, William, Dennis (Denise), and Michael (Trudy) Connell; as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. There will be a prayer service at 10am at W.J. Lyons Funeral Home 1700 Washington Avenue. Family and friends are invited to call prior to the service from 8:30AM to 10:00AM. Internment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in East Greenbush. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Menands Humane Society located at 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204 will be appreciated. The family would like to thank the Shaker Place Rehab and Nursing Center, Meacham Unit staff for taking Shirley into their home and treating her like a loving family member.