Shirley A. Guiel

Shirley Ann (Nickless) Guiel, 87, of Gaithersburg, MD, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, at Asbury Methodist Village after a protracted battle with dementia. Born on August 12, 1937, in Millinocket, ME, she was the daughter of the late Bertram and Margaret (McLean) Nickless.

A graduate of the Sommerville, MA, School of Nursing, Shirley dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She was a longtime resident of Granby, MA with her first husband, Willard Guiel who died of cancer in 1991.  She spent her later years in Cape Coral, FL. (’95 – ’20) with her partner and second love, Richard Beaulieu, who predeceased her in 2022.  While in Florida, she was very active with the First Congregational Church of Cape Coral.  Throughout her life, she was known for her compassion, work ethic, and unwavering love for her family. She used her crafting talents to sew, quilt, knit and crochet goods for sick children in hospitals.

Shirley is survived by her beloved children: Thomas Guiel (Leigh), Melinda (Guiel) Kolp, David Nickless (deceased 2022) and Jon Nickless. She also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as five stepchildren; Richard K. Beaulieu (Kellie), Paul Beaulieu (Karen), Barbara O'Connor (Robert), Kenneth Beaulieu (Jill), and Elizabeth Ricco (Bill) - all of whom she adored. Shirley's family was the center of her world, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held in her honor on August 2, 2025, at Beers and Story Funeral Home. Following the service, Shirley's ashes will be interred at St. Rose Cemetery in South Hadley, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Shirley's memory.