Shirley (DeSotel) Champagne's Obituary
Shirley (DeSotel) Champagne of Middletown, CT passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband and family. She was the daughter of the late Robert “Bob” (2000) and Kathleen (Paul) (2020) DeSotel of Central City, IA. Along with her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her brother, John DeSotel and sister, Rosemary Jenkins.
Shirley was a 1965 graduate of Coggan High School, Coggon, IA. She was a graduate of Central Connecticut State University and studied Law at Quinnipiac University. Shirley started her working career at Square D Manufacturing, St. Luke’s Hospital and John Deere Tractor Works in Iowa and then moved to CT where she was employed with Xerox/Weekly Reader and The Hartford Insurance Group where she retired from after a 48-year career.
Shirley built her life around her family. She was the kind of woman who found joy in simple things. A good cup of coffee on a quiet morning watching sunrises, phone calls from friends and family or simply spending time in her sewing room creating items at her sewing machine. She was an accomplished sewist and created many beautiful quilts for family, friends and charitable organizations (e.g., customized Covid masks for golfers playing in the Champagne Open during the pandemic!). She leaves a legacy of hard work, devotion and love.
Shirley never looked back on yesterday. She would say you cannot change yesterday, only learn from it and move forward tomorrow. One of her favorite sayings was: “God saved best for last.”
Shirley was a beloved wife to Lincoln, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, her daughter Kristina (Andy) King of Joplin, MO; granddaughter Kelly (Mike) Aminti and great-grandson, Lucas Aminti of Bristol, CT; step-children: Arlene Champagne (Haverhill, MA), Marie Champagne (Vernon, CT), Lincoln Scott Champagne (Canaan, CT) and step granddaughter, Sydney Champagne (New Hartford, CT); sister Kay (Brad) Clark of Sierra Vista, AZ; brother Michael (Tonda) DeSotel of Central City, IA; as well as Champagne sisters and brothers-in-law: Leroy (Sherri) of Enfield, CT; Tocka of Stafford Springs, CT; Lyle (Elaine) of Mechanicville, NY; Ellen Hipsky of Willington, CT; Leigh Gale Conklin (Terry) of Portland, OR; Lloyd (Jody) of Stafford Springs, CT; Lee Jay (Christine) of Enfield, CT; Dee of Tolland, CT; Nicole of New Hartford, CT, many nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends in Iowa and CT who were like family.
Shirley’s memory will live on forever in the hearts of her family and all that knew her! She will be greatly missed by many. Shirley’s final resting place will be in Iowa where she will be laid to rest next to her sister, Rosemary Jenkins, who passed away in 2025.
A special thank you to the nurses at Middlesex Hospital for their kindness, love and support.
Calling hours will be from 8:30-10:30 AM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Edward Church, 55 High St., Stafford Springs, CT. A luncheon to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held after the church service at the West Stafford Fire Department, 144 West Stafford Rd., Stafford Springs, CT, and all family and friends are welcomed to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Village, 528 Wheelers Farms Rd., Milford, CT 06461, an organization important in caring for children who have been abandoned by everyone. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: https://www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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