Obituary of Shirley B. Miceli

Shirley B. Miceli, 88, lifelong resident of Chester, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 28, 2013, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Rosario T. Miceli of New London. Shirley was born December 2, 1924, daughter of Evelyn V. Bennett of Chester. She graduated from Chester High School in 1942, and from the UConn School of Pharmacy in 1947. She began her career as a pharmacist working at Yale New Haven Hospital, then, in partnership with her mother, purchased Ernie Collins's Pharmacy in Chester, where she had worked during summer vacations. She renamed it Chester Pharmacy, and managed it for the next thirty-nine years, working alongside her husband, mother, and children. The store became an institution in Chester center, and Shirley developed a reputation as a trusted and tireless member of the community. In addition to her full-time career, she found time to become involved with Girl Scouts, and Chester visiting nurses. She eventually became president of the latter organization, and during her tenure, it merged with Essex visiting nurses to form Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley. In her retirement, Shirley became active in the Chester Garden Club and the Chester Historical Society, and served as president of the Historical Society, during which time the Society purchased the Mill as its headquarters. She also remained active in her beloved Chester High School Alumni Association, serving as its president and treasurer at various times. She was a regular attendee of the athletic events, dance recitals, and concerts of her grandchildren, and a world traveler with family and friends. She was a devout member of the United Church of Chester, and an avid fan of the UConn Lady Huskies basketball team, which she faithfully followed until the day of her passing. Shirley is survived by her daughter Nancy and husband David Watkins, her son Thomas and wife Ana Verissimo, her son Robert, and her grandchildren Thomas Jr., Hannah, Benjamin, Nicholas, and Rachel. The family extends its sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the many health professionals who cared for Shirley with devotion and compassion. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 31st from 5:00PM to 8:00 PM at the United Church of Chester, 29 West Main Street in Chester. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 1st at the United Church of Chester at 2:00PM. Burial will follow in the Fountain Hill Cemetery, High Street in Deep River. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Chester Historical Society, P.O. Box 204, Chester, CT 06412 or to the United Church of Chester. To share a memory of Shirley or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com . Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.