MONCKS CORNER—Trappist Brother Edward Shivell died March 20 at his home at Mepkin Abbey where he spent most of his 61 years as a monk. He was 81.
A Mass of Christian burial was held March 23 at the Mepkin Abbey Church, and burial was in the monastic cemetery.
He was born Edward Paul Shivell on Nov. 11, 1928, in Hudson, Pa., a son of Stanley and Sophia Shivell.
He joined the U.S. Navy on July 21, 1948, and served on the USS Compton. He trained at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill., and the U.S. Navy Supply Corps School in Bayonne, N.J. He received an honorable discharge in July 1952, having served as a storekeeper second class. He was awarded the good conduct medal.
After leaving the Navy, Brother Edward entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani near Bardstown, Ky.
In 1955, while still in his formative years as a monk, he volunteered to move to Mepkin Abbey, which was established just six years prior. While there, he worked in the forest, the gardens and on the farm.
For the past 15 years, he was the monastery’s cook, preparing daily meals for the monks and their guests. He served several terms on the abbot’s council, and was the prior for three years.
Brother Edward is survived by his brother, Tom Shivell and wife Elaine of Endwell, N.Y.; his sister-in-law, Kate Shivell of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; nephews, nieces; and his Trappist brothers.