Shirley A. Smallridge

Shirley A. Smallridge
May 22, 1938 - January 3, 2026
Shirley A. Smallridge 87 of Preston CT was called home by the Lord on Jan. 3, 2026, Shirley passed away peacefully at Backus Hospital with her Family by her side, Shirley was born on May 22,1938 in Norwich CT and was the Daughter of the late George Debbis and Jeanne Walusiak.
Shirley started working at Hamilton Pavillion when it first opened and continued working there until it closed, she absolutely loved her job there and being able to take care of people, many of the Patients family members would request her to care for their loved ones, knowing that they would get great care with her, had the facility not closed she would have never retired.
Shirley was predeceased by her Parents, her husband of 67 years John Smallridge Jr. her Daughter Jo-Ann, her Grandson John Smallridge IV and her great friend Jo-Ann Evangelista who she missed dearly and had many great times and laughs with throughout the years.
Shirley leaves behind her Son John III and Fiancée Susie Wojciak, Son Mick and Wife Dawn Kirker - Smallridge, her Sister Barbara Chiangi, her Granddaughter Sasha Smallridge, Rick Wojciak and Melissa Wojciak who she always considered her Grandchildren, her many Nieces and Nephews and her longtime best friend Jeanne Feraco who she was extremely close to.
Shirley loved her Family and always put them before her own personal needs, she was a very loving and caring person who was always willing to help others, she loved coming up with different ways to surprise people, besides spending time with her family she enjoyed attending everything that Sasha was involved in while growing up, taking many Cruise's with her friends, the many fun trips to Foxwoods and to Maine, trips to the Races to cheer on Mick and she loved watching the Price is right show, the Golden Girls and Shark Tank.
When Shirley was a child, her Mother surprised her with the chance to meet Betty White while attending the show " Take me away " this priceless memory often brought a smile to her face.
We thank God for blessing us with the best Mom that we could have ever asked for and we will miss her dearly, we would also like to thank all of her great neighbors that she had, your kindness and always willing to help her will never be forgotten.
A private memorial service will be held at the Family's convenience.
The family plans on having a Celebration of life event for Shirley, John & Jo-Ann this coming May.
Funeral services have been entrusted to the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home.