Shirley Purnell

Shirley Brechbill Purnell passed away suddenly, Friday, May 29, 2015 at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, MD.

Born December 17, 1938, in Hagerstown, she was the daughter of the late Glenn R. and Evelyn Moats Brechbill, and was one of 13 children.

In 2008, Mrs. Purnell was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Raymond Frederick Purnell.

She attended Hagerstown area schools and graduated from North Hagerstown High School, class of 1956.  Shirley married Raymond Frederick Purnell April 20, 1963, and moved to Frederick where they set up housekeeping and remained living there until his death.

While living in Hagerstown, Shirley worked for the City of Hagerstown Water Department.  After moving to Frederick, she worked for AT&T and then for radiologists, Drs. Ahamadian, Reid & Thompson, processing medical insurance claims.

Her husband, Fred Purnell, Sr., was diagnosed with colon cancer, and with Shirley as his caretaker, survived over 11 years.  With her loving care, he enjoyed and lived life to its fullest for most of those years.

Shirley loved her home and enjoyed working in her yard, and they both were meticulously cared for.  It was not until maintaining them became too difficult, that she decided to downsize and move to Maugansville, MD in October 2014.

She is survived by one son, Raymond Frederick Purnell, Jr. of Maugansville; two brothers, Michael S. Brechbill and John J. Brechbill both of Hedgesville, WV; four sisters, Betty J. Baird of WV, Judy E. Lundquist of St. Augustine, FL, Julie L. Poe of Clear Spring, MD and Debbie K. Long of Hagerstown.

She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and one great-great niece.  In addition to her husband and siblings, she was preceded in death by one special nephew, Richard M. Floyd, in 2013.

The family would like to thank Rose Marie Myers for her steadfast support, friendship and love, Shirley considered Rose her very dear, best friend.

Graveside services will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Frederick with the Rev. Harry C. Cole officiating.

There will be visitation from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick.

Pallbearers will be nephews,  Scott English, Steve Stevens, Matt Stevens, Dan Long; and brother-in-law, Rick Poe.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions  may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or a charity of one’s choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.