She spent her last days surrounded by all five of her loving children and listening to messages of love from her extended family and friends.
Shirley was born in East Douglas, MA on August 6th, 1933 and graduated from Douglas Memorial High School. She went on to work for Whitin Machine Works where she met and later married her husband of 59 years, Philip O’Grady (d. 2007). Shirley and Phil lived in 4 houses, raised 5 children had 11 grandchildren as well as countless travel adventures together. Some of their favorite shared activities included ballroom dancing and Irish Music.
Shirley never did just one thing; she was interested in all things. She was a home improvement enthusiast before it was in fashion and was always learning something new. She enjoyed refinishing furniture, caning chairs and gardening. She was an amazing baker and her apple pies should have been world famous.
She was known by many titles: Mom, Mother, Ma, Grammy and Nana and most recently Great Grandmother; she was the true north of our family. Her family, first and foremost was her world, followed by her compassion and love for rescuing animals, yard-sailing, and her thrill at getting a good bargain.
A fierce advocate for those she loved she was absolutely undeterred by obstacles in her path in any undertakings.
She will be missed more than any words on a page can convey.
She leaves behind many grateful but grieving members of her family: Her brothers, Robert (& Shirley) Fougere of Milbury, MA, Kenneth (& Harriet) Fougere of Upton, MA, and Richard Fougere of Rhode Island. Her sisters, Janet Saravara of Hopedale, MA and Lorraine Burnat of Douglas, MA. Her children, James (& Cindy) O’Grady of Billerica, MA, Katherine O’Grady of Bridgewater, MA, David O’Grady of Sandwich MA, Daniel O’Grady of Middleboro, MA and Maureen Candito of Lakeville, MA. Her grandchildren: Shawn, Nicholas, John, Christopher, JJ, Jaimi, Andrew, Ryan, Shannen, Ava, Sophia, and recently became a great grandmother to Emery O’Grady.
Family and Friends will gather at the Doane, Beal, and Ames funeral home 160 West Main Street Hyannis for visitation on December 22nd at 10:00AM and funeral service will follow at Saint Francis Xavier Church 347 South Street Hyannis at 11:00AM . Interment will be at St Francis Xavier Cemetery on Pine St in Centerville.
Flowers are lovely and always appreciated, but Shirley would really love her spirit of helping animals to go on by donating to MSPCA Cape Cod.
