Shirley Ann Blackwood, age 66 of Ansonia entered peaceful rest December 16, 2013 at Griffin Hospital, Derby with her devoted family by her side. She was the beloved wife of 47 years to Andrew C. Blackwood. Mrs. Blackwood was born April 17, 1947 in New Haven, daughter of the late Sherwood and Kathleen (Casey) Emerson. Shirley was a member of the First Congregational Church of Ansonia; she was a graduate of the Class of 1965 from West Haven High School. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, crossword puzzles, and the loving task of ironing; Shirley loved to collect all things frog. Putting everyone else first was what she did best.

Besides her husband, Shirley leaves her loving family including her daughters, Kimberly DeStefano (Frank) of Ansonia, Andrea K. Rochniak (Steven) of Milford, and Lorraine Clark (Frank) of Ansonia, her sisters, Katherine Parente (Lorenzo) of Cheshire, and Barbara Stewart (Ethan) of Stratford, and her cherished grandchildren who lovingly called her "Ammie", Michael, Stephanie and Amy DeStefano, Abigail and Adam Rochniak and Andrew and Reese Clark. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Geri Jensen (Bill) of Beacon Falls and brother-in-law Ernie Blackwood (Carmela) of Ansonia as well as several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 W. Church St., Seymour. A Funeral Service in celebration of Shirley's life will immediately follow at 6 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts may be sent to the Book of Remembrance, First Congregational Church, 44 S. Cliff St., Ansonia, CT 06401. For directions or to share a memory please go to www.hullfh.com

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude and thanks to the Nurses and Staff of Griffin Hospital, and especially to Dr. Marya Chaisson for their unceasing efforts to save Shirley's life.

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