Shirley E. (Souza) Saari

LEOMINSTER – Shirley Elsie Saari, 94, died peacefully Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Benchmark Senior Living at Leominster Crossings.

Shirley leaves four grandchildren, Stacey-Rae Panageotes of Westminster, Adria Ellis of Ashburnham, Matthew Wright of Leominster, and Jennifer Silva of Mashpee; six great-grandchildren, Persephone, Pandora, Uriah, Gannon, Collin, and Drew; and nephew, Alan Souza of Fitchburg.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, George W. Saari, and daughter, Debra L. (Saari) Panageotes-Wright.

Shirley was born in New Bedford on September 1, 1929. Shirley moved with her family to Fitchburg at the age of 10, with her only sibling and younger brother, Earl Souza. Raised by her parents Julio Souza and Glady Perry-Souza, she graduated Fitchburg High School in 1947. It was at a dance during her high school years that she met the love of her life, George. They became eternal dance partners on February 19, 1949. Shortly after the birth of their only daughter in 1951, her husband hand-built their home in Westminster that she lived in from 1952 to 2017.

Being a very active woman, Shirley took pride working at Loring Studios as a young lady and was active in Whalom Playhouse where she sang. She also lent her beautiful vocals to her church choir.

During her years she was a girl scout leader, member of the Westminster Women’s Club, and a dedicated parishioner of the First Congregational Church of Westminster. After working at Yarn-It-All Crafts, she was recruited to be gift manager at Putnam Gift Store. Upon her retirement in 1986, she and her husband joined Montachusett Square Dance Club, being active members for over twenty-one years, meeting many life-long friends and traveling extensively to China, Russia, Japan, and Europe.

Shirley was passionate about gardening, reading, and was a prolific knitter and crocheter. She also enjoyed giving parties, cooking, and spending time with friends. Shirley was an avid yogi for sixteen years and also loved roller skating.

Shirley's funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in the First Congregational Church of Westminster, 138 Main Street, Westminster, MA 01473. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475. There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley's memory to the First Congregational Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 477, Westminster, MA 01473 or the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, 600 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02116.

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