Shirley Joan Richardson

Shirley was born in Appleton, Wisconsin to Edwin J. and Ruth M. (Van Heuklon) Helms on September 16th, 1937. She was the fifth of ten children.

Shirley was an U.S. Army military spouse for over 20 years during the Vietnam war era during which time she raised six boys and lived in France, Germany, and multiple stateside locations. She moved to St Thomas, USVI in 1976 and worked in retail jewelry sales for both Boutique Riviera and H. Stern jewelers for over 20 years. Shirley retired in 2001 and moved to Virginia.

Shirley was always known for enjoying the free things in life; a beautiful sunset, the sound of waves at the beach, or spending time with her flowers in the garden.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Ruth, her brother Ronald Helms, her sister Rita Van Elzen, and her son David.

Shirley is survived by her sons: Jon, Peter (Christina Kellogg), Martin (Nani), Paul (Sheila), and Alexander; her seven sisters: Marilyn, Catherine, Leone (Jack), Crystal (Alan), Margaret (Don), Edwina, and Ruth Ann (Ellis); and grandchildren: Tande (John), Kaleolani, Moanike’ala, David (Abigail), Pomaika’I (Robert), Andrew, Kupono, and many other relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Services:

A Celebration of Life gathering for Shirley will be scheduled in Wisconsin in late summer and in St. Thomas USVI after, at a later date to be determined.