Shirley Pauline Fox, woman of strength, resilience
Shirley Pauline Fox, 87, of Seaford, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023. Nana embraced her love for family and sports with a vibrant spirit.
Born in the small town of Clarion, Pa., Shirley moved to Baltimore, Md., as a young woman, falling in love with the city. She would make Charm City her family home for many years.
Shirley fearlessly navigated her career during a time when women were less welcomed in such roles, serving at the Pentagon in the 1950s and on the B&O Railroad. She would later have success in Ocean City's real estate market, helping Hal Glick establish the former powerhouse brokerage.
Shirley's passion for sports was unmatched; her television was always tuned to ESPN. She took her family to many Orioles games growing up, including Cal Ripken's celebrated 2,131st game. Shirley was herself a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Eagles, watching nearly every game and often citing player statistics.
As we remember Shirley, we honor a trailblazer, a sports enthusiast and a matriarch. Her legacy, a testament to determination, hard work, and enduring love, will forever remain in our hearts.
Shirley was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca, mother to her grandchildren. She is survived by her beloved son, Timothy; four cherished grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 20, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.
All who are unable to attend the service in person are invited to join via livestream by visiting: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11015227/LTWebcast.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947; or World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20037, organizations she avidly supported.
Visit Shirley’s Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
