Shirley Ann (Wilson) Bielefield

Shirley (Wilson) Bielefield, of Durham, died Friday, September 16, 2022 after a lengthy illness. She was the daughter of the late Mable Holmes Wilson and Hugh Forest Wilson. She was predeceased by her husband Arthur, sisters Marion Perine and Isabelle Gauthier.  She leaves behind her three children, David and his partner Emily Tyner, of Saranac Lake, NY, daughter Betsy of Middletown, son Charlie and his wife Debbie of Durham, and her two grandchildren Amanda (Dan) Belton of Beacon Falls and Andrew Bielefield of Durham.  She also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews.

Born in Ogdensburg, NY, she graduated from Manchester High School.  She then attended Middlesex Memorial School of Nursing, graduating in 1954. She worked in many fields of nursing and ended her career as the school Nurse for Regional District 13 (Durham/Middlefield) for 16 years.  After retirement, Shirley and Art traveled on many adventures. They enjoyed all their travels, from Alaska, to the Mediterranean, the Panama Canal, and many other places.

Shirley was very involved with her community. She served as a 4-H leader, was a past secretary and president of the Durham Garden Club, she was a member of the Durham 60 plus club and served as president for 4 years.  She was also active with the Durham Fair and was an honorary member, serving in the household arts and flower departments, at the first aid station and as a judge. She loved nature, flowers and watching her birds. She loved to decorate her Christmas tree with a variety of bird ornaments. She enjoyed her summer trips to her son’s house in Saranac Lake to help with the freezing and canning of the vegetables he grew and spending time with his dog, Franklin. Shirley loved to cross stitch and knit. During her illness, she knit well over one hundred hats that were donated to others battling cancer. Her grandchildren brought her much joy, always wanting to hear of their next adventures and know what they were up to.

The family would like to thank Middlesex Hospice for their care especially Mari, Susan, Brian and Dr Case, as well as her oncologist Dr Susana Hong. The family would also like to thank her caregivers Brenda and Debbie T for all their care as well as mom’s friend Denise. 

Services will be private. Donations can be made in memory of Shirley to the Middlesex Hospice Care, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457 or to the American Cancer Society, 111 Founders Plaza, 2FL, East Hartford, CT 06108. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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