Shirley P. Tirrell

Shirley P. Tirrell, 92, passed away on 2/21/2023 after a period of declining health. Born in Greenfield, MA on January 15, 1931. Her parents Harry and Elizabeth Pierce, predeceased her and her siblings, Efford (Bud) Pierce, Ruth Hamlin, and William Pierce.

She resided in Greenfield most of her life as a Nurse's Aid at local Nursing Homes. Later in life, she worked private duty care, specializing in those afflicted with Alzheimer's, a job she truly loved and was sought after by many to care for their loved ones. She also worked in retail in her younger years. She attended Greenfield High School and made lifelong friends with whom she kept in touch over the years. She married Maynard Tirrell on August 13, 1950; they had seven children. She worked tirelessly to care for her children and be ever-present in their lives. She loved being a mother but truly enjoyed being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be especially missed by her granddaughter Brooke Hawkins with whom she had a very special relationship.

She was a special mom, grandmother, sister, friend, aunt, neighbor, caregiver, and daughter, always putting others first. She had resided with her daughter Marcia (Mitchell) Hawkins in Deerfield for the past 14 years, where she enjoyed the beautiful sunrises, wildlife, gardens, family gatherings,and visits. She brought so much love to their home.

In addition to her daughter Marcia, she leaves her sons Michael, Martin, and Jeff and a daughter Melinda D'Orazio, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Maureen Burakiewicz(2015-ALS), son Gary (1953), and her former husband Maynard Tirrell.

Services will be private, with her final resting place in Green River Cemetery with her firstborn, Gary Michael, so he may have his mother, who mourned his loss at 22 months her entire life. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that you please offer your time to visit the elderly and ill. She always felt blessed to be surrounded by family and knew from her work, many elders are often lonely. Time you will never regret. We will love you forever Momma.

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