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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Julie A. Shenk

Julie A. (Hollingsworth) Shenk, a resident of Maris Grove in Glen Mills, PA, entered the Kingdom of Heaven to live with her Savior eternally on December 16.  Mrs. Shenk passed away from complications of the coronavirus.

Born in Wilmington, DE, on October 26, 1940, Mrs. Shenk grew up in Kennett Square, PA, and graduated from the Kennett Consolidated School District in 1958. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with minors in special ed and art from Millersville University in 1962. She met her husband, Larry, at Millersville.  They were married on April 13, 1963, in Kennett Square, PA.

Mrs. Shenk never taught but devoted her life to raising their two children and volunteering in schools, church and the community. Her dedication to public education of over 20 years focused on maintaining and improving the quality of schooling for children in Delaware’s Brandywine School District and the state.

Her volunteering included the Darley Road Parent Teachers Association; President, Darley Road Home and School Association; Vice President, Brandywine District Citizen’s Advisory Council and CACs at Burnett Middle School, Claymont High School, Hanby Middle School and Concord High School.

Her experience and interest in education continued as a member of the Brandywine School District Board of Education (1985-1995), serving as Vice President for one year and President the final year.  She also served on the Board of the Delaware Secondary School Athletic Association, the state’s School Board Association (DSBA), a member of the Delaware Professional Standards Council and appointed to the Foreign Language Commission by Governor Tom Carper.

For many years, Mrs. Shenk was Chairman of Worship at Atonement United Methodist Church, Claymont, DE, a position that included decorating the sanctuary for Christmas. She was also a member of the church’s vocal and bell choirs and a director of a bell choir.

Her wide-spread community volunteering included serving as a member of the Board of the Claymont Community Center, the Robinson House and Darley Society.­­­­­­­­­­ She was also involved in preserving the Claymont Old Stone School, that dated back to the early 1800s, as an historic artifact.

Following 44 years in Delaware she and her husband moved to Maris Grove in 2013.

Mrs. Shenk loved flowers. As a seventh-grade student she was the Grand Champion of the annual Kennett Square Flower and Garden Show, accumulating 60 ribbons. She carried that passion through her adult life at her homes and then Maris Grove’s Terrace Gardens and Rose Court Garden.

Among her other hobbies were sewing, counted cross stitch, needle point, knitting, crocheting, playing cards. At Maris Grove, she was a member of the Blanket Circle and Coloring Club.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Shenk is survived by a daughter, Debra L. and husband Michael Mosel (Wilmington, DE); a son, Andrew D. Shenk, wife Renee and children, Audrey and Tyler (Garnet Valley, PA). She was affectionally known to her grandchildren as “Mimi”. Other survivors include, a brother, Bruce and wife Lois Hollingsworth, (Uniontown, OH); a sister-in-law, Betty Hollingsworth (Export, PA); nieces Susan Hollingsworth and Amy Hollingsworth; nephews David Hollingsworth and Brian Hollingsworth.

Mrs. Shenk is the daughter of the late Helen (Greene) and Dwight Hollingsworth. A brother, Stephen D, died in 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funeral Services

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Atonement Methodist Church, 3519 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703 or the Resident Care Fund, Maris Grove, 200 Maris Grove Way, Glen Mills, PA 19342.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, services and interment will be held privately. The family is planning a celebration of her life for some time in 2021.

 

 

 

 

Condolences

    Joanne Ewing writes,
    My deepest sympathy to the family. Julie is now free of pain and would want you to continue on as she watches down on you. I will miss our conversations and will always remember the fun nights playing pinochle and the progressive dinners with the card group. Love and prayers, Joanne Ewing
    12/18/2020 08:24 am
    Barb Neiger lit a candle and writes,
    Larry and Debbie, Al and I are truly sorry about Julie’s passing. I have many happy memories of meeting and seeing her each year at the Phillies! She always was soooo nice to me even though she only knew me a short time!! Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Barb/Al Neiger
    12/20/2020 10:06 am
    Darla, on behalf of the Wilson Family lit a candle and writes,
    To Larry and all of Julie's family, We were so sad to hear about Julie's death, especially during these difficult times... As former neighbors in Chalfonte, we always marveled at Julie's green thumb and beautiful flowering yard - the envy of the development! Our families had a friendly rivalry over the Shenk's beloved Phillies and our lifelong diehard support of the SF Giants. We have missed them in the neighborhood, but were comforted by the fact that they were "just up Rte. 202" at Maris Grove, and one of the next generation had moved in across the street. May you treasure memories of Julie and find peace in time - With warm condolences, The Berwyn Road Wilsons
    12/20/2020 07:43 pm
    Gary B Harad lit a candle and writes,
    Larry and family: I have fond memories of working with Julie on the Brandywine School Board many years ago. It is hard to believe that the years have gone so quickly. My belated and heartfelt condolences to all of you. I hope that as the days go forward there will be many happy memories.
    12/21/2020 05:58 pm
    Lashaunta Coleman lit a candle and writes,
    Larry, my heart is with you during these times. It was a pleasure getting to know the both of you. I really enjoyed talking with her about things going on in the BSD, then versus now. She will be greatly missed. I pray that comfort and peace finds its way to you and your family. Stay blessed, Lashaunta
    12/22/2020 11:29 am
    Rick & Linda Finney lit a candle and writes,
    Larry, Debbie, Andy & families— we are so very sorry to hear about Julie’s passing. Please accept our most sincerest & heartfelt condolences at this sad time & take comfort in knowing she will be kept in our prayers. With much love, sympathy & prayers. Rick & Linda
    12/23/2020 02:31 pm
    Tammy and Tom Stalun writes,
    We were sadden to hear of Julie's passing. We remember her as a wonderful lady. During Debi's wedding & celebrations, I got to know her better. She was always upbeat, personable and very organized. She and your family are in our prayers. Sincerely, Tammy & Tom Stalun
    01/30/2021 01:04 pm

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