1949 - 2026
Born on February 7, 1949, in Providence, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of William E. and Ardell L. Covill and was raised in Warwick, where she graduated from Pilgrim High School. Ardell went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and later, at the age of 51, achieved her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College.
Ardell dedicated her career as a social worker, compassionately supporting children and families through the adoption and foster care process—affectionately referring to those she helped as “her kids.” Her life was also filled with creativity and music. She was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice and participated in many choirs and choruses throughout the years. A talented seamstress, she created her own wedding dress and lovingly made special occasion dresses for her daughters.
She was also a proud lifelong Girl Scout, attending the National Roundup in 1965, where she met her lifelong best friend, Debbie Brody.
Above all, Ardell’s greatest joy was her family and friends. She is survived by her children, Sean; Tina and her husband Tim McDonald; Rebecca (Becky); and Rachel and her husband Mark Wakeman; her grandchildren, Luke and Molly; and her bonus great-grandchildren, Owen and Russell. She also leaves behind her brothers-in-law Allen, Neil, and Charles; her sisters-in-law Beth, Joyce, and Karen; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, bonus grandchildren, and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her daughter Elizabeth, her parents, her in-laws Rufus and Dorris Brackley, and her brother Dana Covill.
A service will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Chariots for Hope, 1601 Limekiln Pike, Dresher, PA 19025, or online at https://give.chariotsforhope.org/fundraisers/in-memoriam-of-ardell-brackley.
