Shawn M. Noel
Shawn “Shawnie” M. Noel passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Shawn was born April 26, 1950, in Sacramento, California, to the late Arnold “Pappy” Clement Noel and Marjorie “Nonnie” Aurelia (Cameron) Noel. The family moved to Alexandria, Virginia where Shawn grew up.
Shawn graduated from T.C. Williams High School in 1968 and from Bethel University, McKenzie, Tennessee. She returned to T.C. Williams, where she taught physical education and was the coach for the girls’ soccer and field hockey teams. Shawn would later teach physical education at Maury Elementary; she received the Agnes Meyer Award for Teaching through the Alexandria, Virginia School District.
Shawn retired to Bethany Beach, where she met the love of her life, Alicia Miller. Shawn then moved to Lewes, where she and her partner/wife spent 22 happy, fun-loving years with family, friends, and their animals. Shawn loved her cats and was dedicated to helping the feral cat population through Coastal Cat Rescue. Shawn fell in love with Alicia’s dog, Jack, and together they raised and cherished their dog, London, until August 8, 2023. Shawnie had a green thumb when it came to flower gardens; she also tended the flower gardens and landscape at church.
In addition to her parents, Shawn was preceded in death by her half-sister, Claudia Frazier, and brother, Trace Noel. Shawnie is survived by her brother, Mycal Noel (Maria); sister-in-law, Edith Appleton; former sisters-in-law, Paige and Janet; and many extended family.
Shawn is survived by her loving wife and life partner, Alicia, and Alicia’s family, who was also Shawnie’s family.
A Celebration of Life was held on January 27, 2024, at the Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth Beach. Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Shawn, please consider a donation in her name to Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth Beach, PO Box 191, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971; or Coastal Cats, PO Box 45, Selbyville, DE 19975.
Visit Shawn’s Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com. ▼
Kevin Michael O’Neill
Kevin Michael O’Neill, of Lewes, Delaware, and Poolesville, Mayland, passed away December 9, 2023. Kevin leaves behind many friends and family members who will miss him profoundly, including most notably his husband, Steven P. Ross, of Lewes.
He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Karen O’Neill; grandparents, Walter and Kathrynn Lucinski, and Alice and Bernard O’Neill; and several extended family.
In addition to his husband, he is survived by his brother, John O’Neill; nephew, Braden O’Neill; numerous extended family; many special friends; his beloved rescue hounds, Hope, Donna, Quinn, and Ribeye; and his tortoise, Stan Lee.
Kevin graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology, and after working in various hospital settings in direct care and management, began a career in healthcare consulting and technology sales. He was thrilled recently to return to a position directly helping others as a peer recovery coach at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.
A celebration of his life was held January 13, 2024, at Angola by the Bay Clubhouse. Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Kevin, please consider a donation to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, Delaware 19958, to support the work that he was passionate about—peer recovery services for those struggling with the disease of addiction.
Visit Kevin’s Life Memorial and sign his online tribute page at parsellfuneralhomes.com. ▼
Elizabeth Orr
Elizabeth “Bet” Orr passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024. She was born April 20, 1945, in Lynchburg, Virginia, daughter of the late Lawrence Orr and Rebecca Mitchell.
Bet had many gardening clients in both Washington, DC, and Delaware. She designed many holiday decorations in downtown hotels and department store windows. Bet and Marianne Lester, her lifelong partner of 36 years, moved in 1989 into one of Milton’s historic homes. Behind the home was a hidden garden with many unique annuals and lovely perennials.
Throughout the years, Bet was an excellent businesswoman and creative landscape designer of unique small gardens in the historic districts of Lewes and Milton. One of the many gifts she shared with friends and clients was filling antique vases with large, beautiful bouquets of summer dahlias.
Bet’s gardens were often on the Milton Garden Club House Tours and Lewes Garden Tour, and she received many awards. She was a highly respected businesswoman in Washington, DC, Milton, and Lewes.
Bet and Marianne enjoyed spending their retirement years in Milton and winters in Dunedin, Florida.
She is survived by her sister, Sharon Saunders; brother-in-law, Randy; and nieces, Michelle Davis (Scott) and Fallon Birch (Alex).
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. ▼