Edward Shivell

Edward Shivell "Brother Edward", 81, died on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at his home at Mepkin Abbey, a Trapist monastery located just outside of Moncks Corner, S.C., where he spent most of his 61 years as a monk.

The son of Stanley and Sophia Shivell, he was born Edward Paul Shivell on November 11, 1928, in Hudson, PA. He joined the Navy on July 21, 1948, and his most significant assignment was on board the U.S.S. Compton. He received training at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, IL, and the U.S. naval Supply Schools in Bayonne, NJ.
He received an honorable discharge in July of 1952, having served as a storekeeper second class.

He was awarded the good conduct medal. After leaving military service, he entered Gethsemani Abbey, a Trappist monastery near Bardstown, KY. In 1955, while still in his formative years as a monk, he volunteered to move to Moncks Corner, S.C., where the Trappists had established Mepkin Abbey in 1949. During his years at Mepkin, he worked in the forest, the gardens, and the farm. For the past 15 years, he was the monastery's cook, preparing daily meals for the monks and their guests.

He served many terms on the abbott's council, and recently, he served as the prior for three years. Br. Edward had a deep love for God and his monastic vocation. He never ceased to listen for the voice of God and to obey God's will for him. During his long illness, Br. Edward remained cheerful and prayerful and was an inspration to the monastic community.

Br. Edward is survived by his brother, Tom Shivell and wife Elaine of Endwell, NY, his sister-in-law, Kate Shivell of Mechanicsburg, PA, and many cousins, nephews and nieces, and grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mepkin Abbey Church. Interment will follow immediately in the monastic cemetery.