Photo courtesy of Rivet Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc. - Merrimack
Oct 19, 1942 - Aug 16, 2025
Sending many thoughts and prayers. Aunt Shirley's memory will always have a special place in my heart.
Hugs Bob,Chris and Dale and to your families.
Tami Radke
August 29, 2025 | Lecanto, FL | Family
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
The Staff of George R. Rivet Funeral Home
August 28, 2025 | Merrimack, NH
Shirley Reed Fredriksen, 82, originally of Merrimack, NH passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 in her assisted living home in Gresham, OR.
She was born Shirley Fern Reed in Nashua, NH on October 19th, 1942, the daughter of the late Myrl and Florence (Zintel) Reed. She was raised in Merrimack along with her siblings Lois and David and graduated from Merrimack High School.
Shirley continued to reside in Merrimack, NH where she married and raised her sons Robert DeBarge, Christopher DeBarge, and Dale DeBarge, much of that time as a single mom. Before becoming a mother, she was a trained X-Ray technician and later she became a long-time Sanders Corporation supervisor who enjoyed her challenging work in the government contracting sector.
In 1989, she married the love of her life Theodore "Ted" Fredriksen where they lived in Hooksett, NH. They enjoyed their lives together traveling throughout the United States until his death in 2000 at the age of 58. Shirley continued living in Hooksett, remaining active with family and friends until she moved to Portland, OR in 2009.
While in Portland, Shirley made new friends, traveled the Pacific Northwest, enjoyed gardening, studied Buddhism, meditation, and volunteered at a local hospice helping families cope with losing their loved ones. She enjoyed reading many self-improvement books, developing a positive and cheerful disposition. She was quick to help those around her who needed assistance, regardless of their situation or station in life. She continued to remain in contact with her family and friends back east, never forgetting those close to her.
The other loves of her life were her three grandchildren Karin DeBarge, Angie DeBarge, and Henry DeBarge, evident by the plentiful photographs that were proudly adorned throughout her home.
Shirley is survived by her three sons Robert, Christopher, and Dale; her two daughters-in-law Bonnie Marsh and Miho DeBarge; and her three grandchildren Karin, Angie, and Henry.
The family is planning a graveside service on Thursday, 4 September, 11:00 am at the Last Rest Cemetery in Merrimack, NH. In case of inclement weather, services may be moved to the Rivet Funeral Home but will be updated if necessary.
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