Shirley Rose (Kellum) Margnelli

Shirley Rose (Kellum) Margnelli, born in New Britain, CT on May 5, 1932 to the late Rose (Chaponi) Kellum and the late Laurence Kellum, died July 27, 2025 at her home surrounded by her  loving family. Shirley is the beloved wife of Norman Margnelli with whom she would have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in September.

Shirley has lived almost all of her life in Berlin/EastBerlin/Kensington. She was the Salutatorian of the Berlin High Class of 1950. She also graduated from the Ona Wilcox School of Nursing in Middletown. She worked as an RN at Middlesex Memorial Hospital and later at Middlesex Convalescence and Nursing Home in Middletown until her retirement.

Shirley was an active member of Berlin Congregational Church and Kensington Congregational Church. In addition to volunteering for church committees and serving as a Sunday school teacher, she also served on the board of directors of the Berlin Public Health and the Berlin Free Library. For twenty five years she counted absentee ballots for elections in Berlin.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Rev. Pamela Rose Vollinger (Gary), Jay Margnelli (Coreen), Mark Margnelli (Joanne); her beloved grandchildren, Daniel Vollinger (Hannah), Kathryn Vollinger, Justin Margnelli, Joelle Margnelli, AJ Margnelli (Ashley); and her great grandchildren, Elijah Vollinger, Amara Vollinger, Brooklynn Margnelli, and Grady Margnelli.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her brother, Laurence H. Kellum; her sister-in-law, Marie Kellum; and her nephew Larry Kellum.

Shirley's family would like to express their deep appreciation to all the aides whose skill and compassion made Shirley's life in her final weeks more comfortable.  They would like to especially thank Agnes, Bernadette, Irene, Essence, Vivian, and Stella.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 11 AM at the Kensington Congregational Church.  Calling hours are Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 5-7 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Hwy., Berlin.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Kensington Congregational Church, 312 Percival Ave., Kensington, CT 06037 or the CT Audubon Society.