STONINGTON and ELLSWORTH – Shirley M. Alex, 78, formerly of Stonington, died Friday, June 5, 2009, at an Ellsworth health care facility. She was born Nov. 19, 1930, in New York City, daughter of the late Celia (Thorne) Skeans and Frank Skeans, a ship builder in Brooklyn, N.Y. In her working years she was the vice president of human resources at Lafayette Bank, New York City, and then left to marry her beloved husband, Thomas Alex in 1962. Shirley will be remembered for her sense of humor, quick wit and her warm smile. Mrs. Alex was a loving wife for 39 years to Thomas N. Alex, who died in 2001. Family members include her daughter, Kyra Alex and life partner, Renee Sewall, of Stonington; and siblings, Donald Skeans of Pennsylvania and Richard Skeans of New York. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by siblings, Ethel Clifford of Deer Isle and Frank Skeans. She spent six happy, safe and peaceful years at Colliers Rehab and Nursing Facility, Ellsworth. A special thanks to Colliers Rehab staff and volunteers for their outstanding care and true friendship to Shirley. And also a very special thanks to Dr. Susan Ostertaag, Father Richard Tardiff and Hospice Care of Hancock County for their dedication to their profession. A service of remembrance was held 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at Colliers Rehab and Nursing Center, 33 Birch Ave. Ellsworth, with Father Richard Tardiff officiating. If desired, donations may be made to Colliers Resident Activity Fund, 33 Birch Ave., Ellsworth, ME 04605 or Hospice Care of Hancock County, 14 MacKenzie Ave., Ellsworth, ME 04605. A service of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Stonington. For online condolences, please visit our Web site at www.bragdonkelley.com.
SHIRLEY M. ALEX
