Obituary of Shirley McFadden

Shirley Ann McFadden, age 85, of Fairfield, passed away on January 3rd, 2021 at St. Vincent's Medical Center. Shirley's memory will be cherished by her family and friends including her sons, John H. McFadden III, and his wife Elaine, of Shelton, Joseph P. McFadden Sr., and his wife Ann, of Stratford, James A. McFadden Sr., and his wife, Collette, of Hudson, FLA, Timothy W. McFadden, and his wife Eleanor, of Milford, Christopher M. McFadden, and his partner, Nicole Somsky, of Fairfield, and Michael T. McFadden, and his wife, Melissa, of Trumbull; brothers and sisters, Barbara Andes, Rosemarie Giambra, James A. Dinan, Virginia Gilmette, Constance Guggenheim, Peggy Carvalho, and Michael Dinan; her grandchildren, Meghan and John IV, Emily, Tommy and Michael, Gary, Peter, James, Michelle and John, Kathryn, Kristopher, Kevin, and many nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband John Henry McFadden Jr, son Paul Gerald McFadden, grandson Joseph P. McFadden Jr.; sisters, Francis Stole, Elizabeth Jump, Patricia Pihonak, Eileen Pedevillano; brothers, Joseph Dinan, Robert Dinan and John Dinan; in-law's, John Henry McFadden, Helen McFadden, Shirley McCormack, Rene Williams, William McFadden, Marlene McFadden, Jack McCormack, Fredrick Williams, and Joseph Pedevillano Born and raised in Stratford, CT, Mom was the 6th child of 15 brothers and sisters putting Mom into a role of care giver and helper for her younger siblings while looking up to her older siblings. The lessons of being part of a large family would carry on for the rest of her life of caring, helping and taking in others, be it family and or friends; but also gave Mom a quick wit and ability to crack a quick joke while including herself and or others in jest. When one of her boys had an issue with someone she would always say "to consider the source" and to always "be the bigger person." Being one of 15 children gave Mom the innate ability to handle anything that came her way, no matter the issue she was always there for her family and friends, Mom's heart was always open to all but especially her grandchildren. Having met our Dad, the love of her life and partner of 60 years, they raised a family of 7 boys putting to good use those caring and nurturing skills. Seven boys were not enough though which lead to over the years Mom and Dad taking in many other children, teenagers and friends needing a place to stay. In the later years with such a large family Mom was off to work at Sikorsky Aircraft early in the morning and then back home to have dinner ready every day along with fantastic Sunday pot roast dinners for her boys and friends. There are so many people that will remember being touched by Mom's kindness, her wit, along with having shared a good joke with her. Mom and Dad are now together again, possibly at a casino, likely a visit to Ireland, cracking some jokes and shining down on their boys, family and friends. We are going to miss her but take great solace in knowing that she will always be with us providing loving guidance as we all move through both good and troubling times. Please join us in celebrating her life. In lieu of flowers our family would suggest a contribution to St. Jude's Children Hospital at www.stjude.org to help children just like our Mom had helped so many. Calling hours will be held privately for immediate family in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Funeral services for all who would like to come and celebrate our Mother will take place on Friday 10:00 AM in St. Pius X Church, Fairfield. Interment will follow in St. Michaels Cemetery, Stratford.