Shirlee Rosenthal, 85

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. – Shirlee R. Rosenthal, of Wakefield, passed away May 6. She was the beloved wife of the late Gerald Rosenthal. Born in Ft. Lewis, Washington, she was a daughter of the late Herbert and Edna Allen.

Shirlee raised her four daughters in Attleboro, Massachusetts, where she was a longtime member of the Parent-Teacher Organization and the Sisterhood of Temple Agudas Achim. She was active in local politics, campaigning and fundraising for candidates at both the city and state levels. For many years, Shirlee managed her husband’s dental practice. In 1999, shortly after retirement and a move to South County, her husband passed away. Shirlee continued her life in Rhode Island, serving the community and enjoying her hobbies. She was a member of the South County chapter of the Women’s Club of Rhode Island. She published the club’s newsletter, photographed events and participated in The Spirit of Giving, an annual essay contest for local school children. She gave generously of her time at The Lighthouse for Youth, a residential group home for adolescent girls.

Shirlee was a loving mother to her four daughters – supportive of them in every way. She was generous to a fault – always looking for ways to give to others, showering her family and friends with gifts and committing random acts of kindness. Her creative side shone through in the family vacations she planned, the meals she cooked, the photos she took, the letters she wrote and even in the flowers she grew.

She is survived by her daughters Judy Richardson and her husband Neil, Jody Hall and her husband Joseph Savick, Joyce Rosenthal and her partner John Butorac, and Jill McLoughlin and her husband Matthew; sister Coretta Ford; and grandchildren Katie and Troy Richardson, Graham Hall, and Sam and Sarah McLoughlin.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the South Kingstown Animal Shelter, 132 Asa Pond Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.