Obituary of Agnes A Shovlin

Agnes Shovlin of Gulfport, Florida passed away at Freedom Square Assisted Living in Seminole, Florida on November 10, 2023 in her 99th year.

She was one of four children of John and Agnes Arsics of Union, New Jersey, and their only daughter.

Agnes grew up with three brothers, all of whom served in the United States Armed Services as part of the World War II effort. Agnes herself became an Army Nurse Cadet, attending nursing school at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orange, NJ. Fortunately the war ended in 1945, before she was formally commissioned. She then began her nursing career caring for the many returning wounded GI’s.

After the war she met and fell in love with a returning Army veteran by the name of Daniel Shovlin. They married in Summit NJ in 1950 and settled in North Plainfield, New Jersey where they started their family. Since Danny worked nights as a printer, Agnes found work as a school nurse and health educator for the North Plainfield Board of Education. She would be going to work, when Danny was coming home, so child care was covered. She later attended night school for 4 years, receiving a BA in education from Trenton State College. During the course of her 45-year nursing career, Agnes also worked with numerous charities to meet the needs of many less fortunate children. She volunteered with the Girl Scouts as a troop leader and served as a lead nurse at several regional and national scouting jamborees.

Agnes and Danny retired and moved to Gulfport Florida in 1991, happily beginning their next chapter as retired folks. Both were active owner/members of their condominium association well into their 90’s.

A beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Agnes was known for her caring nature, her door that was always open, and the wonderful meals that she prepared with TLC and a side helping of advice. She also enjoyed sewing and made beautiful blankets and accessories for her home, and as gifts for loved ones.

She is survived by her son Terry Shovlin and his wife Diane, her daughter Kathleen Grosch, and her faithful friend Deborah Henry. Agnes is also survived by her four grandchildren and their spouses: Blake (Elizabeth) Grosch, Brea Grosch, Daniel (Abigail) Shovlin, and Julie (Randall) King. As well by her five great grandchildren: Colby and Cassidy Shovlin, and Gordon, Frederick, and Hugh Grosch. And her dear nieces, a nephew, and their families. Agnes was predeceased by her beloved husband Daniel, her 3 brothers and their wives, a nephew, her sisters-in-law, and her brothers-in-law (who were also WWII Vets).

The family would like to thank her friends and neighbors who reached out, and her nurses and aides who cared for her, especially in her last years. You all made such a difference in giving her the support that allowed her to do things her way.

Services will be at the convenience of the family a later date.

Agnes was a monthly contributor to National Public Radio. It was the non-profit organization that was near and dear to her heart. For those wishing to do so, donations in her memory may be made either to the network or to your local station. Go to giving@npr.org or phone 202-513-2082.