Shirley Joan Groce - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Shirley Joan Groce

August 1, 1930 - January 28, 2025

Shirley Joan Groce, age 94, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Born in Port Royal, PA on August 1, 1930, she was a daughter of the late William Banks and Jess (Saffell) Kennedy. Shirley was proud of her small-town roots and large family. She made her career as a department manager at Strawbridge & Clothier for many years.

Shirley could often be found outside enjoying nature, she especially loved flowers and birds. She was creative and quite talented in all types of crafts. Shirley loved people, and once you met her, she was a friend for life. She spent her free time helping others as a member of the New Century Club of Newark. Shirley was also a dedicated member of Newark United Methodist Church. Above all, Shirley treasured the memories she made with her family.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, John Groce; son, Daniel R. Groce; stepson, Thomas P. Horan; brothers, James Kennedy, Daniel Kennedy, and William Kennedy; and sister, Faye K. Stitt. She is survived by her sisters, Jeanne Bucek (Hank), Ruth Wynn, Jessie Nace, Patricia Walters (James), Paula Rosenstengel (Jack), and Betty Robinson; sons, Thomas R. Groce (Wenda) and John C. Groce; daughter-in-law, Wendy J. Groce; stepchildren, Robin Hanjora (Ken) and Robert V. Horan; 4 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 pm until 2 pm on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 2 pm. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to Newark United Methodist Church, 69 East Main Street, Newark, DE  19711 or online by clicking here.

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6 Condolences for Shirley Joan Groce

  • Sharing our thoughts and prayers to Johnny and Tom. For your loss. May god give peace at this moment.
    Aunt Shirley was a lovely and wonderful aunt.

  • Shirley was like my 2nd Mom. We spent many an evening on her front porch just talking. I will miss her. Love to her family

  • To say Shirley was my friend will never suffice. She was my mother, my sister, my grandma, my confidante. I could always just be me around her. So comfortable. She always spoke with immense love for her children, her sisters, her family and friends. She loved her Redbirds…not a day went by that you didn’t see one in her yard. Thank you for being you! You are loved and missed!

  • I cut Mrs Shirley’s grass. She touched me in the most amazing way. She was always happy to see me as was I her. She was more than my costumer She was my step grandmother I never had. I will miss her and her beautiful smile. Thx for touching my heart. Love u Mrs Shirley

  • Shirley was my neighbor and friend. She would always wave and say hi whenever she saw me or one of my family. She was a joy to know and will be missed in our community. Our condolences go out to her family.

  • You were a sweet person. You will be missed.
    From a co-worker at Strawbridge’s.
    We had some fun and crazy times working there.