Grafton – Shirley P. Sullivan, 92, of North Grafton, MA, passed away peacefully at home on December 11th surrounded by the love of her family.
“Shirl,” as she was affectionately known, is predeceased by her husband of 49 years, John F. (Jack) Sullivan, Sr., and leaves four children and their spouses, Patricia and Art McHugh, Jay and Jill Sullivan, Maryellen and Roger Randor, and Joanne and Todd Protano, as well as twelve grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and her brother Kenneth Rogiers and his wife Lucille. Shirley is also predeceased by her parents, Florence and Cyriel Rogiers, a sister, Evelyn Baker, and brother, Robert Rogiers, Sr.
Shirley grew up in Worcester and married Jack, the boy next door. They had an incredibly long, happy and fulfilling life together in North Grafton until his passing in 2000. She dedicated her life to raising their four children and had a hand in caring for her twelve grandchildren. “Nanny” will be sadly missed by Erin, Ashley, Kevin, Courtney, Caitlin, Colleen, Patrick, Colin, Chad, Delaney, Sophie, and Claire.
Shirl had a warm and loving heart and mothered everyone who passed her way. She had nerve and spunk; a quick, dry wit; and an eager, sympathetic ear. When Jack died, she got her driver’s license at the age of 71 because she had places to go and people to see. Most of all, she remains our best example of how family loves and supports one another.
Shirley cherished the life and home she built with Jack and wanted to remain there. In 2013 when her health began to decline, it was determination, a labor of love, and countless kind and compassionate caregivers that kept her there until her passing. A special acknowledgement and warmest thanks to Summit Healthcare for playing a partnership role in Shirley’s care plan.
Shirl’s love for Boston Terriers was legendary and is now shared by generations of her family. Her spirit was captured perfectly in the 1947 South High School yearbook, “the world delights in sunny people.”
Calling hours will be held at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester Street, North Grafton, on Friday, December 17th from 4-7:00 p.m. A Mass of Celebration will be offered at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18th at St. Mary’s Church, 17 Waterville Street, North Grafton, with burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. Masks are required to be worn at both the funeral home and the church. Family and friends attending the Funeral Mass are asked to proceed directly to the church on Saturday morning.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604.
