Shirley A. (Fabio) Daniel, 67, of New Bedford, MA died Thursday December 18, 2003 at the home of her daughter Kim in Columbia, Maryland after a five year battle with cancer. She was the wife of Crawford J. Daniel of Providence, RI.
Born January 25, 1936 in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Charles Henry Fabio and Rene Alberta (Helme) Fabio, she lived in New Bedford all of her life. Shirley was proud of her Native American Wampanoag Indian heritage out of Mashpee, Massachusetts. She was known by her official Indian name of “Iron Tree.” The name of “Iron Tree” was given to her by the Mashpee Indian leaders during a formal Indian tribal ceremony where through vibes and chanting in a circle they picked up Shirley’s spirit. They described her as having a strong spirit and fiery will and so they announced and recorded her official Indian name as “Iron Tree.”
She graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School in 1954. She attended Western Massachusetts Hospital School of Nursing. Shirley began her professional career at Saint Luke’s Hospital where she worked in the business office and credit union for many years. She later worked for Atlas Screw and Specialty Company in New Bedford until her retirement.
Her hobbies included fishing, traveling, dancing, gardening, sewing and most of all, cooking for children’s favorite foods, blueberry dumplings for Doug, jag for Kim, spaghetti for Sheila, bread pudding for Joya &Greg, and fried bologna sandwich for Rene.
Shirley’s greatest joy and love were her six children. She loved each child; Joya, Kim, Rene, Douglas, Sheila and Gregory equally and unconditionally. Shirley will be severely missed by all. Our loss is heaven’s gain!
Shirley had a rich history and commitment to the Elks organization. She joined Susan A. Sullavou Temple #94 in 1978. She served in several seats including Daughter Ruler for 6 years as well as recording secretary for several years. Shirley joined Liberty Council in 1979 also as treasurer of Oret Leborah Liberty Council and Charter member of Oret Leborah Council. Daughter Daniel was a member of New England States and Eastern Canada Auxiliary in which she worked in the Golden Age Department, Presidents Hour, and the Credentials Committee. She received Elkdoms highest honor of Past Grand Daughter Ruler in Baltimore, Maryland in 1989 through the Antlered Guard Department. She held the position of commander of Truesdale Young police unit #1101, and Brigidare General Shirley Daniel was acting commander of Rhode Island and Southern Mass Brigade.
She was an active member of Bethel A.M.E. Church of New Bedford, where she served as a member of board of trustee board.
Shirley leaves her loving family, husband, Crawford J. Daniel, of Providence, RI;four daughters, Joya Teixeira of Montross, VA., Kim Tubbs-Herron of Columbia, MD, Rene DeBarros of New Bedford, Sheila Hayes of Columbia, MD; two sons, Douglas D. Teixeira and Gregory A. Teixeira, both of New Bedford; ten grandchildren, Dameon Brooks, William DeBarros Jr., Brittney Teixeira, Kira Tubbs, Gregory Teixeira Jr., Kendra DeBarros, Jillian Teixeira, Ashton Hayes, Alexia Hayes and Anthony Jenkins Jr.; five sisters, Jeanne Collins of Las Vegas, Yvonne Baez of Feeding Hills, MA, Rene Hill of Silver Spring, MD, Phyllis Lopes of New Bedford, and Linda Christensen of Manchester, NH,; a brother, Joseph H. Fabio of Cambridge. She also leaves other extended family members and devoted friends. She was the sister of the late Charles R. Fabio.
Her Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday December 24, 2003 at 9 AM in the Bethel A.M.E. Church , 532 County St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Acushnet Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday December 22, 2003 from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.