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02/04/2013 09:45 AMShirley B. Miceli, 88, a lifelong resident of Chester, died peacefully on Jan. 28, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Rosario T. Miceli, formerly of New London. Shirley was born on Dec. 2, 1924, daughter of the late Evelyn V. Bennett, formerly of Chester. She graduated from Chester High School in 1942 and from the UConn School of Pharmacy in 1947.
Shirley 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 39 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.
Shirley was a regular attendee of the athletic events, dance recitals, and concerts of her grandchildren, and was 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 death.
The family extends its sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the many health professionals who cared for Shirley with devotion and compassion.
Shirley is survived by her daughter Nancy and husband David Watkins; her son Thomas and wife Ana Verissimo; and her son Robert. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Thomas, Jr., Hannah, Benjamin, Nicholas, and Rachel.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the United Church of Chester, 29 West Main St., Chester. Her funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, at the United Church of Chester at 2 p.m., followed by burial in Fountain Hill Cemetery, High St., 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. The Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, is in charge of arrangements.
To share a memory of Shirley or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com .