Shirley Mae Pawelczyk

Her parents, Richard and Pearl (Caron) Horton welcomed their daughter into the world on July 6, 1935, in Lebanon, NH. She grew up in Keene attending local schools and was a 1953 graduate of Keene High School.

Shirley’s work career was that of great pride, raising her family of eight and taking care of her home. She was fondly known as the "Commander of P’s Pod". She helped as a den mother when her sons were boy scouts.

She also worked at the former Goodnow Department Store, Kings Department Store and Rich’s Department Store, all in Keene. When her children were grown and later in her life, Shirley worked for ten years with Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services in Keene.

A woman of deep faith, Shirley was a lifelong parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Church in Keene.

She will be greatly missed by many, especially her husband of 70 years, Anthony J. "Tony" Pawelczyk of Keene; children, Michael Pawelczyk and his wife Debra of Drewsville, NH, Susan Hugel and her husband Tom of Swanzey, NH, Christopher Pawelczyk and his wife Wendy of Winchester, NH, Paul Pawelczyk and his husband Daniel Pawelczyk of Phoenix, AZ, Andrew Pawelczyk of Milton, NH, Deann Gosetti of Springfield, VT; twelve grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. A son Peter Pawelczyk, a daughter Laurie Pawelczyk, a brother Rodney Horton, and a sister Patricia Seymour, predeceased her.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene, NH. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 30th at 11:00am in St. Margaret Mary Church, 33 Arch Street, Keene. Burial will be in the spring in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Keene.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in Mrs. Pawelczyk’s memory to Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431.