Shirley T. Nilan, age 92 of Trumbull, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday, June 29, 2026.

Born and raised in Stratford, Connecticut, Shirley attended Stratford High School, graduating with the Class of 1951. During her school years, she met her dearest friend, Marion Lasecki, beginning a friendship that lasted a lifetime.

After graduation, Shirley worked in the secretarial pool at United Illuminating Company. There she met another lifelong friend, Helen Warner.

In 1954, Shirley married Richard ("Dick") Patrick, and they made their home in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In early 1960, they moved to Greenwood, South Carolina, where they raised their family until Dick's untimely passing.

In June 1975, Shirley married Thomas Nilan and returned to Bridgeport, Connecticut. There are many wonderful memories of warm gatherings and holidays at the family home on Bancroft Avenue. She spent her later years at the Teresian Towers in Trumbull, CT, where she was surrounded by compassionate care and friendship.

Shirley is survived by her devoted children, John Patrick, David Patrick and his wife Paulette, Marylou Angell and her husband Curt, Thomas Nilan Jr. and his wife Robin, Noreen Kusheba and her husband Paul , and Geraldine "Dee" Brown and her husband Doug; her nephew Andrew Lucas; her 10 grand-children: Adam Patrick and his wife Shannon, Christopher Patrick, Joseph Patrick, Katelyn Angell, Kerri Joller and her husband Jens, and Kylie Angell and her husband Drew, Ryan Nilan and Taylor Nilan, Anna Brown and Timothy Brown; and four great-grandchildren; Adeline Patrick, Jasper and Florence Joller and Holland "Holly” Angell.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, John and Matilda Lucas, her loving aunts, Jennie and Helen Lucas; her first husband, Richard Patrick; her brother, Ronald Lucas, beloved second husband, Thomas Nilan Sr.; sons Patrick Nilan and Kevin Nilan.

Shirley had a gift for making people feel welcome and loved. She treasured her family above all else and was a constant, loving presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered for her famous pound cake, her quick wit, and her wonderful sense of humor, which brought laughter to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

The family is especially grateful for the loving care, compassion, and devotion she received from her wonderful aides, Chanell, Carolyn, and Erika from Companions and Homemakers.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday 10:15a.m., from the Redgate – Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and 4 Gorham Place, Trumbull, and at 11:00a.m. in St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull, with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call Tuesday morning from 9:00a.m. to 10:15a.m., in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the name of Shirley Nilan to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of one’s choice.