Shirley Annette (Aquavia) Burrell

Naugatuck, CT   Shirley Annette (Aquavia) Burrell, 83, a life-long resident of Naugatuck, passed away at Hartford Hospital, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family, on December 18, 2025. Shirley was a beautiful woman with the biggest of hearts; how ironic it seems that she would pass away from heart failure.

Shirley was born on June 21, 1942, in Waterbury, daughter of the late Joseph (Doc) Aquavia and Anna (Scheffts) Aquavia. She graduated from Naugatuck High School Class of 1960. A quote from Shirley’s high school yearbook reads, “Shirley walks with a native grace and draws her friends with her alluring smile and personality. Beauty’s namesake, she reigns as our class beauty.” Yes, Shirley was the epitome of beauty, but it was her inner beauty, her grace, her dignity, and sincere love of people that drew them to her.

Shirley had a deep and abiding devotion to her unwavering faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for 51 years and dedicated 15 years of her life to the full-time ministry. Teaching others about the Bible and her God Jehovah was very meaningful to Shirley and brought her great joy.

It was twenty-eight years ago, at the age of 55, that Shirley embarked on a new venture, starting her own business, Burrell Associates - certainly not an easy task as she had no knowledge of the use of computers, reading blueprints, nor navigating the construction industry. But having a strong work ethic, Shirley was determined and was proud to have succeeded in establishing a fine business that brought her great joy.

There were many things that Shirley loved - the simple, meaningful joys of life and creation. Her love of gardening was unmatched as she planned a color theme for all her beautiful flowers around her home. When the hummingbirds arrived, all was complete. She loved spending time at the beach, collecting seashells to display in her gardens. Crocheting was a favorite, relaxing past time as well as playing a fun, competitive card game of setback. Consigning and piecing together timeless outfits was yet another hobby she enjoyed.

Hospitality was a hallmark of the Burrell home which was always open for family and friends as Shirley loved to entertain and cook delicious meals, certain dishes becoming family favorites. Most special to Shirley, as their Babcia, was the yearly summer visits of all her grandchildren. Although a majority of the time together was spent swimming in the pool, Babcia and their great aunts planned fun times for them: Broadway, Goodspeed, fishing, berry picking, concerts, amusement parks, skateboarding and playing board games, just to name a few. Because of these summer visits together, the grandchildren have formed a strong bond of love for each other.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Raymond, of 54 years, their six children: Patti, of Jacksonville, FL, Robert (Donna) of New Haven, CT; Susan (Jonathan) of Amelia Island, FL, Jon (Kelly) of Brooksville, FL, Amy, of Amelia Island, FL, and Joanne (Bob) of Naugatuck, CT; sisters Dolores (Don) of Boynton Beach, FL, Joanne of Hewitt Apple Rehab in Shelton, CT, Rosemary of Naugatuck, CT and Kathy (Al) of Southbury, CT; sixteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Louis Aquavia, Jr. and sister, Nancy Westberg.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of the Cardiac ICU at Hartford Hospital who displayed empathy and provided diligent care and comfort to Shirley.

Shirley appreciated the words of the prophet Isaiah who stated that all of the “residents in the dust” will “awake and shout joyfully.” (Isaiah 26:19). She knew emphatically that she would be reunited with her beautiful family and friends and enjoy life to its fullest, not just for a short time but for all eternity in paradise on earth.

A memorial service will be held at the Naugatuck Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 49 Bowman Drive, Naugatuck, on Friday, January 9, 2026. The family will receive guests beginning at 4:00 P.M. followed by a discourse at 5:00 P.M. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream via Zoom will be available. Please reach out to family members for Meeting ID and Passcode.

A private burial service will be held at the Aquavia Family gravesite at Grove Cemetery in Naugatuck.