Shirley A. Farrell
July 23, 1937 ~ January 30, 2017
DANVERS—Shirley A. (Quirk) Farrell, 79, died unexpectedly on Monday morning, January 30, 2017 at Beverly Hospital. She was the loving wife of the late James T. Farrell.
Born in Boston on July 23, 1937, she was raised and educated in Peabody and was a graduate of Peabody High School and Burdett College.
Shirley worked for many years for the Town of Danvers as an administrative assistant to the Town Manager and the Department of Parks and Recreation. A dedicated community volunteer, she was secretary of the Danvers Cultural Council, President of the Supports of Musical Education in Danvers, a Girl Scout leader, and a religious education teacher. She was a Poll Warden and a current Precinct 2 Danvers Town Meeting Member. She also volunteered at the Danvers People-to-People Food Pantry, the Danvers Senior Center, with Danvers Family Festival, and various other organizations. Along with her late husband, she was named Danvers Citizen of the Year in 1999.
She was most proud of her grandchildren. They were the love of her life and she proudly attended their many sporting events, band concerts, and recitals.
She leaves her children, Kathleen Armstrong and her husband Peter of Danvers, Nancy Francis and her husband Arthur of Danvers, Charles “Chuck” Farrell and his wife Michelle of Beverly, and Kevin Farrell and his partner Andrea Kennedy of Danvers, her grandchildren, Derek, Dustin, Keith, and Matthew Farrell and Leanne (Farrell) Neves and her husband Christopher, her great-granddaughter, Abigail Ryan Neves, her siblings James Quirk and his wife Barbara and John Quirk and his wife Barbara, all of Florida, Patricia DeLuca and her husband Ralph of Danvers, and Winifred Quirk of Malden, her sisters-in-law Doris Farrell of Danvers and Irene Farrell of Florida, and many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and neighbors. She was predeceased by her brothers Joseph Quirk and Francis Quirk and his wife Lorna.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 at 10AM in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Thursday from 4-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s name may be made to St. Mary of the Annunciation School, 20 Otis St., Danvers, MA 01923 or the Danvers charity of your choice. www.LyonsFuneral.com.
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Dear sweet Aunt Shirley, not my biological Aunt, but you always felt loved when you were in her company. She was always happy to see you and always took the time to share life with you. Her children have learned well and she will never be forgotten. She’s so happy to be with her Jim, and the Lord she so loved. Rest in peace Aunt Shirley and keep working your magic from Heaven, xo
All the summer cookouts, family softball games and Sunday morning coffee hours at 244 Andover st.
Aunt Shirley, you were the best, your thoughtful caring ways, you showered everyone that walked into your home with love, your kindness and love you had for people , was truly amazing you will always be my #1 Aunt, thank you for you love and kindness, you will be missed, you are with Uncle Jim now , be at peace, and may the Lord be with you.. I love you
My condolences to Shirley’s family. Shirley was like another cousin to us growing up. I recall babysitting for Jim and Shirley’s 4 sweet little kids when I was a teenager. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Shirley was a wonderful woman always brought a smile wherever she went – She will be missed – Thoughts and prayer to her family
So very sorry for your loss Chuck and Michelle. Tim and I send you much love, thoughts, and prayers.
I Love You Aunt Shirley and I am going to Miss You Very Much. Thank You For Being Such A Wonderful Aunt to Me All These Years. RIP and May GOD Continue to BLESS You and Uncle Jim in HIS HEAVENLY PLACE. xoxoxo.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this. I recall with great fondness the laughs Shirley and my Dad shared at the Village Green in the 1960’s (my father was the manager and Shirley was a waitress –par excellence by the way!). I’d tag along and Shirley always took a few minutes to chat with me (and make sure I wasn’t taking too many maraschino cherries from the bar). I can see her now in her classic brown uniform gliding through the dining room with a huge tray. For years afterward — my entire life, really — I felt a special connection to Shirley, and I think one of her many gifts was making everyone feel that way. When she asked how things were, it was with warmth and genuine interest. And then she’d take a minute to settle in and really listen.
Her greatest gift, as you all know, was her devotion to her family. I hope you all take some comfort now in countless wonderful memories and in knowing she brought warmth and kindness to others, too.
Fondly,
Sally Kerans
Wonderful, giving, caring and loved are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Shirley. She like her late husband Jim will be missed by so many.
Until we meet again my beautiful Aunt Shirley. I’m sure Uncle Jim has all sorts of mischief planned for the two of you.
Shirley Farrell and Family
I am so sad to hear of Shirley’s passing. My deepest condolences to your family.
To all the members of Shirley’s family,
.
We are so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing.
I new her from St. Mary’s parish. A very special and beautiful lady.
May God comfort all of you and bring you peace in all the wonderful
memories you all shared with Shirley.
May she rest in peace!
Sending love & prayers,
Lou & Linda Perrino
So sorry for the loss of a great lady will miss her Eddie & pAM
To all of Shirl’s children, brothers & sister, grandchildren, relatives & friends,
Please accept my condolences and prayers on the loss of your Shirley.
She & Jim were the best friends anyone could ever have.
I remember all the years of laughter at our coffee klatches each morning at her house. Those memories will stay with me always.
We know how she missed her Jim and it is comforting to know he is waiting for her in heaven.
I am in Florida now so unable to join her services. I am sending love, heartfelt prayers and hugs to each of you. God bless Shirley & each of you.
Love,
Libby Hastings
Lit a candle in memory of Shirley A. Farrell
I had the pleasure of knowing Shirley for many years. I first met her in 1984, when Kathy began working at St. Mary’s school. Shirley and Jim treated my mother and I like family. Then when I was getting married, Shirley and Jim let me take pictures at their home. And when my mother passed, Shirley and Kathy came to the memorial mass and stayed with Paul and I after my own family was long gone. Shirley was a special women. I’m sure she’s happy now with our Lord and her darling Jim. They are together again for eternity.
Jill Murray
My deepest sympathy to the Farrell family on their great loss. Shirley was really a very special person. I knew her for many years and was always impressed by her kind, friendly, compassionate, “willing to help” personality.
She will be missed. .
Laura Gioioso
The Tibbetts family was saddened to hear about the loss of Shirley. She was a wonderful woman and she will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Farrell family at this time.
With love,
Suzanne, Jeff and Abigail Tibbetts