Shirley Eileen Anderson

3/15/1945 - 8/11/2025

Southwick, Mass. - On Aug. 11, 2025, Shirley Eileen Anderson entered her eternal rest with her Lord and Savior. She was born March 15, 1945, to Mr. William Howard Peabody and Mrs. Gertrude Francis Sherman Peabody in Middletown, R.I.

Shirley attended local schools and graduated from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, with a degree in Christian education, minoring in education.

Through her first marriage, Shirley had two children, Kenneth Howard (Wendy) Sherman and Kathryn Margaret (Lyle) Walker. Shirley met the love of her life while attending Andover Newton Theological School and married Lynn Wyman Anderson in June 1995. Lynn brought two sons, Eric Sven Anderson and Christopher Hans (Linda Reeder) Anderson into the family, and more grandchildren!

Together, Shirley and Lynn embarked many grand adventures, beginning with each earning their Masters of Divinity and becoming ordained ministers with the UCC (United Church of Christ). They served in several pastorships, including Higganum, Ct., and Milbury, Mass. They had their yearly trips to their favorite bed and breakfast in Vermont, watching plays, enjoying live music, and traveling to see their precious friends. But most of all, Shirley enjoyed their grandchildren.

There were always crafts to make or cookies to bake, books to read and children's plays to attend. Grandchildren: Zachary Keith Kallen, Samanth Renee Kallen (Justin Ernst), William Dalton (Ivanna) Sherman, Gemma Rose Sherman (Spencer Hoagland), Brendan Wyman Anderson, Rebekah Maren Anderson, Garret Michael Walker, Peyton Nicole Walker (Karl Backman) Kale River Walker, and great-grandchildren, Magnolia Snyder, Auroa Ernst and the newest addition, Brody Decker Sherman, all benefited from her love and lessons and Grammie blankets.

Earlier in life, Shirley also enjoyed substitute teaching in various local public school systems. She did this for several years before joining the Mystic Seaport Museum as the eventual Director of Curriculum. The history of that facility was of interest to her, and as usual, she poured her creativity and enjoyment of educating others in that role. She especially had fun conducting the Whaling Lectures teaching about the industry so long ago.

Shirley truly loved education and working within the church. To combine those passions, she taught both youth and adult classes in the small North Stonington Congregational Church. This became a true passion that was only fueled by the many warm and loving friends she met and cherished dearly. Shirley helped organize church bazaars and festivities to promote the Word of God taught there. She worked tirelessly to ensure positive, loving experiences for all with whom she came in contact.