Mrs. Shirley F. (Flynn) Mello

Mrs. Shirley Dodge (Flynn) Mello of Charles Street, Bristol, passed away at the Jeanne Jugan Residence (Little Sisters of the Poor) in Pawtucket on August 19, 2023 at the age of 99, as she would often say, “In her 100th year”.

Shirley was born in Providence on February 22, 1924 a daughter of the late Bertha (Hackley) Flynn and James Flynn, Sr. She was a lifelong resident of Bristol, devoting her life to family, faith, nursing and community.

Shirley graduated from St. Mary’s School in Bristol and St. Xavier Academy in Providence, Class of 1942. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1945. Shirley’s professional nursing career involved private duty, visiting nurse for Bristol and Warren, 28 years at St. Joseph’s Hospital Emergency Room and Outpatient Department.

Shirley was a member of Mother’s Clubs and Brownie Troops. She was also active in the Bristol Historical and Preservation Society, working with many dedicated to preserving our history, including Rei Battcher. She was a member of the D.A.R. (Daughters of the America Revolution) with lineage to John Howland (Mayflower). Shirley was an active communicant of St. Mary’s Church and their C.C.D. Program and The Adoration Society of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. She also served as a tutor in the Bristol School Department and as a nurse at the Bristol YMCA and St. Michael’s Church Day Care centers.

She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Edward, as well as her brother James Madison Flynn Jr. (USS Indianapolis in 1945). She was also predeceased by her two daughters, Shirley Grimshaw (Al) and Jayne Mello.

Shirley is survived by her sons, Jim Mello (Elaine), Ted Mello (Leigh), Joe Mello (Betty), Tom Mello (Julie) and Kevin Mello, her daughter, Sara Sooknah (Raj), and daughter-in-law, Sandra Patterson. In addition, Shirley leaves a legacy of 20 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol. Visitation will proceed the Mass, in church, from 9:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Little Sisters of the Poor, 964 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.

For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com
 

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