Obituary of Evelyn Birrell

Arlene Birrell, nee Evelyn Arlene Crocker, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 1, 2015. Born in Danbury, Connecticut, on October 7, 1924, she was the daughter of Herbert Little Crocker and Evelyn Booth Crocker, and sister to Doris Crocker Bushaw and Edith Crocker Lang, both deceased, and Herbert Little Crocker, Jr., of Simsbury, Connecticut and Estero Beach, Florida. Arlene, known as "Arkie" to her oldest friends and family members, was a quick-witted girl who graduated from Danbury High School at the age of 16. She started her career in personnel with Chance Vaught in Texas and later with Davis & Geck in Danbury. Later, after settling in Glastonbury, Arlene began 20 years of service as a secretary in the guidance office at Gideon Welles Junior High School. True to form, she made many good friends there, and was recognized school-wide for her compassion, warmth and humor. Many students remember her still. Everyone who knew Arlene agreed that she was extraordinarily bright and capable, traits that were evidenced throughout her long life by her love of reading (she never saw a book she didn't like) as well as cross-word puzzles and Scrabble. She was a devotee of the UConn Huskies basketball teams, an avid student of the game and, occasionally, a vocal critic. Arlene loved a good joke and a frequent Dewars and soda, often in conjunction with one another. She made toll-house chocolate chip cookies that were without equal anywhere in the known universe. Her home at Christmas was filled with light, and cheer, and many presents under the tree. Above all, however, Arlene was, throughout her life, a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. For her, the definition of "family" was broad -including not only Al, her beloved husband of 57 years, her cherished siblings, children and grandchildren, but also friends of all ages and from all walks of life. There were no strangers for Arlene, only friends yet to be made, and she made plenty. People were drawn to her wit, good humor, kindness, grace and integrity. Many, many generations of pets (and even the occasional wild animal) flourished happily under her loving hand. She was a wonderful gardener as well as the Keeper of Family Memories, having labored mightily over the years to compile volumes of photos —a gift we will cherish always. In her later years, and to her great relief and pleasure, she was blessed with grandchildren, first with her favorite grand-daughter, Liliana Birrell, and then with her favorite grandsons, Aidan and Trevor Birrell. Arlene prized her grandchildren above any earthly treasure and was a loyal and powerful co-conspirator. She was generous with Oreo cookies and marshmallows, and unafraid to stare down one of her own reproachful children with the admonishment, "What happens at Grandma's stays at Grandma's." More importantly, Arlene was a source of wisdom and perspective to her sons as they themselves navigated the sometimes rocky shoals of parenthood. She understood "little people" and knew when a light hand on the tiller was required. Arlene is survived by her loving husband, Albert Birrell, whom she had known since both were teenagers growing up in Danbury. She was the love of his life and he of hers. She is also survived by her beloved brother, Hebert Crocker, his wife, Marcia, their son, Jeff; and her nephew Jonathan Lang, niece Melinda Hamilton, and grand-niece Chelsea Warren, all of Seattle, Washington. Her own children, Jennifer Birrell of Middletown, Peter Birrell of Glastonbury and Scott Birrell of West Hartford and her daughters-in-law Shelia Birrell and Karen Gersten will miss her terribly, as will her grandchildren. On Friday, February 6th, we will welcome friends to the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, Connecticut for calling hours between 5PM and 7PM. On Saturday, February 7th the family will celebrate Arlene's life at a memorial service to be held at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury, Connecticut from 11:00 a.m. until noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Arlene's name to the Connecticut Humane Society.