Obituary for Shirley Ann Anderson (Akley)
Shirley Ann (Akley) Anderson, “Sunny”, of Naugatuck, entered the gates of Heaven surrounded by her loving family on May 5th, 2019 at Griffin Hospital after a very courageous battle with breast cancer. She was the beloved wife and soulmate of Robert J. Anderson.
Born on September 26, 1957, Shirley was the daughter of Newell Akley and Lois Knapp of Seymour. As a young child, her grandfather brought her to her first Mets game, and she immediately became an avid fan for life. Shirley would become so animated while watching a game, it was hard not to root with her. And no matter what happened, she would never curse, although to this day, we still aren’t sure how.
Her love for the Mets was rivaled only by her love for her family, and especially that of her lifelong sweetheart, Bobby, aka “Babe”. Bob and Shirley began dating while she was a teenager and they have been “Hopelessly Devoted” to each other ever since. Their love for each other was clearly evident to anyone who knew them. She’ll forever be the Minnie to Bob’s Mickey, and he the Danny to her Sandy.
Shirley officially became Bob’s “Lady” on Valentine’s Day in 1976; a fitting day of matrimony for a fairy tale couple.
Being a Mom meant the world to Shirley. She was very proud of her 3 children. She spent as much time with them as possible; whether it was shopping, having lunch, watching games or just hanging out.
In her later years, Shirley’s life revolved around her six grandchildren. She attended every event they were involved in that she could, and they were always happy to see “Mimi.”
Shirley loved to walk and get her “steps” in. You could find her walking downtown on any given day. While walking, she also enjoyed playing Pokémon Go. Many a day you’d also find her grandson playing Pokémon with her. Shirley enjoyed rivaling her daughters and friends in daily and weekly step counts on her Fitbit.
Holidays and birthdays held a special meaning for Shirley as she always made sure that each were celebrated to the fullest extent, and she always added her personal touch, whether it be the Christmas stockings for the whole family, finding the perfect present or card, or insuring even the napkins and plates were always matching and in theme.
Shirley was the matriarch of the Anderson Family. She leaves her family with a legacy of love, compassion, fun and celebration.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Robert J. Anderson of Naugatuck, her son Robert J. Anderson II of Naugatuck; daughters Dawn Anderson and her husband Scott Carroll of Naugatuck; Carrie (Anderson) Murray and her husband Sean Murray of Wolcott; Sisters Helen Catlin and her husband Dave, Barbara Merritt, Thelma Akley, Rachel Santini and her husband Bill; her six grandchildren Justin, Bethany, Lyla, Reagan, Colin and McKenna; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Lois (Knapp) Akley and Newell Akley; Sisters Doris Merritt and Donna Akley.
Calling hours for all friends and family will be held from 5-8 on Friday, May 10th 2019 at Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home at 82 Fairview Ave, Naugatuck. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday May 11th 2019 at The Congregational Church of Naugatuck at 9 Division St, Naugatuck.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given at https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-shirley-quotmimiquot-anderson.
The family of Shirley would like to the thank the amazing staff at Griffin Hospital for all their kindness in caring for her.
Please visit buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com to view full obituary or to send online condolences.
Born on September 26, 1957, Shirley was the daughter of Newell Akley and Lois Knapp of Seymour. As a young child, her grandfather brought her to her first Mets game, and she immediately became an avid fan for life. Shirley would become so animated while watching a game, it was hard not to root with her. And no matter what happened, she would never curse, although to this day, we still aren’t sure how.
Her love for the Mets was rivaled only by her love for her family, and especially that of her lifelong sweetheart, Bobby, aka “Babe”. Bob and Shirley began dating while she was a teenager and they have been “Hopelessly Devoted” to each other ever since. Their love for each other was clearly evident to anyone who knew them. She’ll forever be the Minnie to Bob’s Mickey, and he the Danny to her Sandy.
Shirley officially became Bob’s “Lady” on Valentine’s Day in 1976; a fitting day of matrimony for a fairy tale couple.
Being a Mom meant the world to Shirley. She was very proud of her 3 children. She spent as much time with them as possible; whether it was shopping, having lunch, watching games or just hanging out.
In her later years, Shirley’s life revolved around her six grandchildren. She attended every event they were involved in that she could, and they were always happy to see “Mimi.”
Shirley loved to walk and get her “steps” in. You could find her walking downtown on any given day. While walking, she also enjoyed playing Pokémon Go. Many a day you’d also find her grandson playing Pokémon with her. Shirley enjoyed rivaling her daughters and friends in daily and weekly step counts on her Fitbit.
Holidays and birthdays held a special meaning for Shirley as she always made sure that each were celebrated to the fullest extent, and she always added her personal touch, whether it be the Christmas stockings for the whole family, finding the perfect present or card, or insuring even the napkins and plates were always matching and in theme.
Shirley was the matriarch of the Anderson Family. She leaves her family with a legacy of love, compassion, fun and celebration.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Robert J. Anderson of Naugatuck, her son Robert J. Anderson II of Naugatuck; daughters Dawn Anderson and her husband Scott Carroll of Naugatuck; Carrie (Anderson) Murray and her husband Sean Murray of Wolcott; Sisters Helen Catlin and her husband Dave, Barbara Merritt, Thelma Akley, Rachel Santini and her husband Bill; her six grandchildren Justin, Bethany, Lyla, Reagan, Colin and McKenna; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Lois (Knapp) Akley and Newell Akley; Sisters Doris Merritt and Donna Akley.
Calling hours for all friends and family will be held from 5-8 on Friday, May 10th 2019 at Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home at 82 Fairview Ave, Naugatuck. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday May 11th 2019 at The Congregational Church of Naugatuck at 9 Division St, Naugatuck.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given at https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-shirley-quotmimiquot-anderson.
The family of Shirley would like to the thank the amazing staff at Griffin Hospital for all their kindness in caring for her.
Please visit buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com to view full obituary or to send online condolences.