Shirley B. (Burns) Saumell

Shirley Mae Burns Saumell, 92, passed on November 10, 2022 at Bethel Healthcare in Bethel CT, with no regrets or unattained goals.

Born in Stamford, CT to Albert and Evelyn Burns on July 8, 1930, Shirley married Conrad Saumell and moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL, where she had 3 children, Conrad Joseph, Terri Anne, and Mark Lewis, eventually returning to Stamford and Norwalk CT, where she had her last child, Ramona Renee. Shirley graduated from Southern Connecticut State Teachers College in 1950, and retiring from the Stamford Education System after 25 years of teaching 2nd and 3rd grade, was a rebel to her parents and had ambitions to do more than what was properly accepted for women of that era. 

Shirley outlived her son, Conrad Jr, her husband, Conrad Sr, along with her sisters, Ethel, Isabel and Jane. She is survived by her remaining children, Terri, Mark (Bonnie) and Ramona. She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren, Conrad Saumell III, Kimberley Saumell, Amy Rosato-Stroh, and Jenn Whaley, along with 9 great grandchildren, Reid Saumell, Halie, Lainie, Carter, Emma, Sophie Stroh, and Jackson, Avery and Chelsea Whaley, and 1 great great grandchild Landon.

She has so many words that were only delivered through her gestures and meaningful remembrances. Shirley showed her love for her family in her always thoughtful and giving nature. She embodied "homemade" love with warm bread and cookies, and a double batch of chili, one with no beans please.

Albeit a woman of few words, her "look" and mannerisms spoke volumes. You will not use improper grammar in her presence if you knew what was good for you. She held a special place on her refrigerator for the wooden spoon of discipline, which never touched skin if you ran fast enough. She was often absorbed in a good book, at the kitchen table with tea and crossword puzzles, or knitting and creating crafty gifts for her family and friends. Looking out her kitchen window, she always had a patch of daffodils and flowers for the spring and would curse the deer when they came for lunch, but loved to see the new babies each spring.

Finally with a chance to focus on herself, she looked forward to Bingo day and became a fixture at the Moose Lodge.  Did someone suggest a trip to the casinos? 

The family will receive friends at the Hull Funeral Home, 60 Division St., Danbury, Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 Am, then leaving the funeral home at 11:30 for a graveside service at 12:00 Noon at St. Mary Cemetery, Bethel.

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