Sept. 30, 1934 – Oct. 3, 2021
Northborough – My Mom and best friend Shirley (Betts) Mollenhauer passed away on October 3rd following complications from surgery. She was welcomed in heaven by my Dad, Gerhard, who has been waiting for her since January 2020, as have her parents Walter and Catherine Betts, (Ireland) and her sisters Muriel Bennett and Joan Betts, and her brothers Warren, Donald, Richard and Thomas Betts. She has left behind me Kim (Mollenhauer) Schortmann and my husband Mark, her brother Gary Betts, dozens of nieces, nephews and tons of friends.
Born in North Attleborough, she would lovingly refer to her childhood as being raised in a herd, as her mom wrangled 8 children. She graduated from North Attleborough HS in 1953 and worked as a switchboard operator in Pawtucket until she married my Dad in 1960. We moved into Northgate in 1963, where Mom filled the house with love, laughter and her many yard sale finds. I wouldn’t be surprised if under the definition of yard sale chic is a picture of Mom.
Though there were only the three of us, our house was always filled with friends; everyone knew that you could always drop into for a cup of coffee and homemade treats, for a swim or for a shoulder to cry on. First and foremost, she loved being a wife and mother. Her greatest pleasure was caring for us. She made friends where ever she went with her wicked sense of humor and love of an audience to whom to tell her stories. She was recognized around town from her years at Bradlee’s, her gallivanting to yard sales, her at the Northborough Senior Center and to her time at Once or Twice.
Mark and I would like to thank the wonderful SICU team at the Memorial campus, especially Barb, Courtney, Maureen and Ashley. You made her last days peaceful and our hearts eased knowing you were there for her.
We will be memorializing her on October 13, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St, Northborough, immediately followed by a celebration of her life which will begin at 6:30 p.m. The use of masks is strongly suggested for all services.
A beautiful tribute dedicated by Kimberly Schortmann.
To leave a condolence, or to share a memory, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
