Shirley Ann Southmayd

Shirley Ann Southmayd, affectionately known as “Sugar,” passed away on Friday, July 18, at the age of 95, following a life well lived. She was born on March 30, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late John Francis Kerslake and Beatrice Louise Kerslake (Haun). She was predeceased by her brother, Frederick Hickling, sister-in-law, Bobbie Hickling (Abt), and her beloved husband of more than 68 years, Alan.

After marrying in 1951, Alan and Ann started their family in Flushing, Queens in New York City, before moving to Lakeridge in Matawan, New Jersey and then Newark, Delaware in 1974. Finally, they relocated to Glen Mills, Pennsylvania in 201 3.

Ann graduated from White Plains (New York) High School. Her father, Jack, was a railroad executive with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. Ann attended Russell Sage College, and upon her mother’s passing, transferred to Oberlin College, Class of 1951, graduating with an education degree. She worked primarily as a kindergarten teacher, and took time away to be a stay-at-home parent, before relocating to Delaware. Ann was a long-time appointee to the Delaware Foster Care Review Board.

But Ann’s most significant accomplishments were in her community, her church, her circle of friends, and her family. Inspired by her father’s World War II victory garden, Ann was a prolific gardener and an accomplished bridge player, ultimately earning the esteemed title of Life Master. Ann loved puttering about in her garden, traveling with Alan, entertaining friends and family, and spending time with her grandchildren. For those lucky enough to spend time with her, there was always an outing to attend, or a recipe to be made, or a new interest of theirs to explore, and she always found a way to make them feel special. Ann will be remembered for her generous heart, her infectious laugh, and her merengue cookie recipe.

Ann is survived by her sister, Margery Robertiello of Salem, N.Y., three children, Amy (Barry) Huffman, Tom (Kim), and Andy (Lynne), seven grandchildren, TJ (Kendall), Geoff (Kristen), Rachel (David) Campbell, Ellen Huffman, Jenni, Emily (Andrew) Ricker, and Becca (Chase) Milligan, nine great-grandchildren and counting, nephews, Jimmy Urek, Alan (Joe Salerno) Urek, Dr. William (Mary) Hickling, and Jeff (Kathy) Hickling, and niece Nancy (John) Winstead.

Services are not yet scheduled. Final internment will be at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware, beside her dear husband. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions to Ann’s favorite charity, Mercy Ships (www.mercyships.org).