Shirley Jean Sullivan

Shirley Jean Sullivan, 83, former long time resident of Three Rivers, died peacefully on July 22, 2011 at Wingate in Springfield. Born March 28, 1928 in Ware, she was raised in Monson and has lived in the area since 1948. Shirley worked for a number of years at Three Rivers Industries and was a former communicant of St. Mary's Church in Thorndike. Shirley was deeply devoted to her husband and two sons as well as her grandchildren. She was very caring and helpful to neighbors and friends in her Three Rivers community. She adored her animals, and was especially fond of cats and rabbits. Shirley will be deeply missed by her two sons Francis J. Sullivan, Jr. and his wife Judy with whom she previously lived, and Daniel and his wife Linda of Chicopee. She also leaves five adoring grandchildren, Robert J. Sullivan and his wife Andrea, Erin J. Sullivan and his wife Sara, Patrick W. Sullivan and his girlfriend Jodie Osborne, Kelly Vosnakis and her husband Steven, and Eileen DeMings and her husband David. Additionally she leaves eight precious great grandchildren, Melissa, Alexa, Evan, Colleen, Teddy, Foster, Morgan and Liam. Shirley was preceded in death by the love of her life, Francis J. "Scrap Iron" Sullivan, Sr., as well as her grandmother Carrie D. Rogers, a daughter Kathleen and a great granddaughter Morgan Elizabeth Sullivan. Calling hours will be Tuesday, July 26, 2011 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. A Funeral service will be held on Wednesday at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery. For those wishing, donations be made in her memory to the Dakin Animal Shelter, Springfield.