Anne E. Parsell Shughart
April 19, 1934 - January 7, 2025
Anne E. Parsell Shughart, age 90, formerly of Mechanicsburg, PA, died suddenly on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Christiana Care Union Hospital in Elkton, MD.
Anne was born April 19, 1934 in Harrisburg, PA, grew up in Mechanicsburg, PA and graduated from Mechanicsburg High School in 1952. She was musically talented and learned to play the flute during her junior and senior high school years so she could join the high school band. She also sang alto in the high school chorus. A highlight of that time, for Anne, was playing the flute solo for the local Singer band in the John Philip Sousa’s song ” Star Spangled Banner ” at the annual Mechanicsburg Jubilee day. She also learned to play a Hammond organ for the church services at The Harrisburg Unitarian Church.
She met her future husband Sherwood in 1953 when she was working at the ice cream counter at the Howard Johnson’s Restaurant on the Pennsylvania turnpike. He was working at the Gulf gasoline service station next door–he tried to get a free ice cream cone, but she refused.
For two years she attended Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY with a major in music, but on the untimely death of her father Dr. William H. Parsell she transferred to Temple University in Philadelphia to study dental hygiene. After graduation from Temple, she worked in the Shippensburg school district as a dental hygienist and then later for a dentist in York, PA.
While Sherwood was still attending Penn State University, they got married the last Saturday of March in 1959 at the Harrisburg Unitarian Church. Anne & Sherwood were married 65 years until he died in May 2024.
Anne always loved dogs and as a child she adopted a neighborhood dog “Skipper.” For much of her married life she took care of a dog. Besides dogs she loved her family and close friends. The extended family would take a vacation to Emerald Isle, NC every summer. She attended many sporting events, concerts and recitals that her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participated in and if you ask any of her grandchildren, they will tell you that Memaw always had their favorite food and snacks when they visited. Anne, enjoyed the time spent with friends. They played cards, went on several trips together and in later years talked frequently to check in on each other.
After working 25 years, as a dental hygienist, for Dr. Robert Johnson in Newark, DE Anne retired, but remained active. Anne loved to read and would go to the Newark Free Library at least once a week. She also volunteered for Delaware Hospice and a Delaware Herbalist organization who took care of an herb garden in New Castle, DE. In addition to helping her children & grandchildren she also became competent in caning chairs. Sherwood and Anne were always interested in Early American Antiques.
She is predeceased by her husband, Sherwood; and her daughter, Pamela Sue Dall of Knoxville, MD. She is survived by her daughter, Beth Shughart McKee (John) of State College, PA; her son, Scott Shughart (Agnes) of Newark; and her sister, Sue Parsell of San Francisco, CA. Anne is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jesse Hall (Kristen), Sarah Hall (Jim), Amelia Dall (Griffin), Daniel Dall (Hayley), Jeff Shughart (Melissa), Jacob Shughart and James Shughart; and six great grandchildren, Norah, Layla, Hunter, Heath, Siena and Madison.
A private service will be held at the discretion of the family.
In lieu of flowers please contribute in Anne’s memory to Delaware Hospice, 630 Churchmans Road, Suite 200, Newark, DE 19702 or online by clicking here.
Janet King
On behalf of the Delaware Herbalists: Anne was a long-time member of the Herbalists group and served as our “Sunshine” person, sending cards to members when there was a birthday, illness or other concern. Although she retired from the Herbalists several years ago, we very much missed her and fondly remember her. We send our condolences to the family along with our prayers.
Bari Poorman
My wife and I can’t believe that Anne is not with us. Anne and Sherwood and their children were long time friends of ours when lived in Delaware. A few months ago I stayed with Anne for two nights while attended the funeral of Bo Rainey who was another good friend who died. Our hearts go out to all of the children and there families. Rita and I loved Anne and Sherwood so much.
Steven Taylor
My heart is heavy with the news of the passing of Mrs. Shughart. For years she gently took care of my teeth. Those visits were always more about what was going on personally and the dental work almost seemed secondary. She was always offering motherly advice when I was hanging around with Beth. I will deeply miss her kindness and spirit! RIP. My condolences to the entire family.
Cindy Shughart
Sending my condolences to the entire family. Memaw will be missed terribly. May she rest in peace. Love Cindy
Ellen VanDerburgh
Dear Scott, Beth, Sue, and family,
Sherwood and Anne were my neighbors on Rock Lane when we moved to Delaware. They were friendly, helpful, and welcoming. We were delighted to be in the neighborhood and to get to know them better. Anne often visited with me and other neighbors when she came back to Newark after their move to PA. I considered them close friends and felt fortunate to know them. Another neighbor came up to Media, PA, to bring me back to De for Sherwood’s service. She was much loved by all who were fortunate enough to know this wonderful couple. I had talked with Anne just about a week before she passed, and was hoping to see her soon. What a shock to hear of her passing. I feel fortunate to have known her and Sherwood for all those years. I will certainly miss her, and will keep you all in my prayers.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Ellen VanDerburgh
Gary and Roberta Bell
Our sincere sympathy to Anne’s family. She was a delightful person who will be missed by those who knew her.