Shirley Anne Newsome

Shirley Anne Newsome (Savelkoul)
November 1, 1930– November 8, 2019

On Friday, November 8, 2019, the world lost a wonderful woman; wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Shirley Anne Newsome (Savelkoul) of Thomaston passed away at home at the age of 89 years. Shirley was born on November 1, 1930, daughter of the late Andrew and Hazel Savelkoul. She grew up in Thomaston and Torrington, graduating from Torrington High School in 1948. Shirley eloped with her husband George in Elkton, Maryland on February 1, 1951. Together they had four children and 68 happy years.

Shirley enjoyed spending time with her husband any way she could, from tag saling to going on ice cream dates. Forever not just husband and wife, but also ‘boyfriend’ and ‘girlfriend.’ For them, the relationship was as if it was always in the honeymoon stage.

In her younger years, Shirley was an active member of the Thomaston Women’s Club, and a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed many lively evenings playing pinochle with friends and having coffee with family. She was an avid reader, and loved music, but most important to her was her husband and family. She found tremendous joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley will be missed for countless reasons, but her kindness, sense of humor, and her warm heart will be the things that her family will keep with them forever.

Shirley is survived by her husband George. In addition to her husband, she is survived by their sons George Jr. and his wife Christine; Richard and his fiancé Wendy; Robert Sr. and his wife Louise; John and his fiancé Sierria, all of Thomaston. She is also survived by her brother Lawrence Savelkoul and his wife Janet of GA; seven grandchildren, George III and his wife Kristen; Maryann, Robert Jr. and his wife Chrissy; Sarah; Philip and his wife Kelly; Karen; and Donna; 16 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Hazel Savelkoul, her brother Joseph, and her sister-in-law and close friend Lois Ryan.

A very special thanks to everyone who helped care for Shirley in her final days, especially Wendy McLellan, Peggy Turpin, and Joan Lombard-Knox. We could not have gotten through these last months without you. Thank you for being a part of our family.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Lyons Funeral Home in Thomaston, CT. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 10:00am at St. Thomas Church in Thomaston.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shirley’s name to Thomaston Emergency Services including Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department, and Thomaston Police Department.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.