Serena M. Shays

Serena M. (Nolan) Shays, 39 of Worcester, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family after a series of illnesses.

Serena was born on September 9, 1985 in Worcester where she grew up and has lived all her life. She loved to pray and was very spiritual. Serena enjoyed reading, drawing, listening to music, watching crime shows and loved spending time with her family and her pets. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend. Serena loved everyone strongly and made sure she said “I love you” every day to the ones closest to her. She will be dearly missed.

Serena is survived by her husband of 18 years, Robert E. Shays, Jr.; two sons, Nathan Nolan of Auburn and Robbie Shays of Worcester; her father, William Barry of Worcester; a brother, Ronald Barry and his wife Augusta of Worcester; a sisters, Jessica Barry of Worcester; her mother-in-law, Linda Arujo and her husband Edgar of North Brookfield; two aunts, Heather Nolan of Worcester and Bridget Ramos of Wales, MA; four uncles, Christian Nolan, Peter Nolan and Sean Nolan all of Wales, MA and James Nolan of Worcester; many cousins including Krystal Nolan, friends and extended family. She is also survived by her two best friends, Amy Eldridge of Spencer and Suri Yakira Shalev of Webster; and her beloved pet, “Daisy” and her dog “Tobie.” She is predeceased by her mother, Wendy Nolan.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 5-7 pm immediately followed by a prayer service at 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. There will be no burial.