Shirley J. Ayrton, 79, of Cornwall, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at Cornwall Manor.

Born on April 27, 1946, in Philadelphia, PA, Shirley was the beloved daughter of the late John and Claire (Morgan) Ayrton. She earned her master’s degree in education from Beaver College and dedicated over 31 years to teaching special education in the Bensalem School District. It was a role she cherished deeply and performed with unwavering compassion.

Shirley was an active member of the United Methodist Women and found joy in many hobbies, including travel, needlework, coloring, music, and theater. She had a particular fondness for hats and a spirited enthusiasm for Formula 1 racing.

She is survived by Valentine Connell and their son, Patrick Connell, as well as Patrick’s late wife, Lara Connell. Shirley is also survived by her brother, George Ayrton, and his wife, Laurie; niece, Stacy Laucks, and her husband, Peter; and nephew, James Ayrton, and his wife, Kimberly.

Her legacy continues through her grandchild and grandnieces and grandnephews: Aryston Connell, AJ Laucks, Kayla Laucks, Emily Laucks, Sophia Ayrton, and Joseph Ayrton.

Beyond family, Shirley is remembered by the many who knew her as a mother, grandmother, band mom, teacher, and friend. Her warmth, wisdom, compassion, and spirit touched countless lives.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m., at Bensalem United Methodist Church, 4300 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020. Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.

At Thompson Funeral Home, four generations of the Thompson family have offered their knowledge, compassion, and experience while serving the families of the Lebanon area for the past 135 years.