Shirley Shames

Shirley Shames passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20th 2026, at 96 years young.

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, Shirley met Bill (William) Shames, whom she married in 1952. They shared a lively and loving 39 years of marriage before Bill’s passing in 1991.

A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she raised her family in Framingham, MA before calling the Back Bay in Boston home. She was a pioneer of entrepreneurship, a formidable businesswoman of her time. Shirley Shames started her beloved market research business, Performance Plus Inc., in the 1960s out of her Framingham home. She grew it into one of the largest market research data collection businesses in New England. Her grandchildren were often seen outside Faneuil Hall handing out surveys at her government center location. She retired at 88.

She lived life to the fullest, was a social butterfly, and loved all things cultural. Recognized by her signature beehive hairdo and chic all-black attire, she attended any event in the city. Her typical evening was a night out on the town, trying out a new restaurant, a new play, or a new movie, often all in one night, staying out well into the night.

She met her husband, Bill, at the local dance hall in New York City, dancing the night away. A recognizable face of the Back Bay, she could be seen walking the Boston Public Gardens daily, stopping to chat with every familiar face. Shirley deeply valued and embodied living life to the fullest with unshakable positivity and verve.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Bill. She is survived by her children, Joel Shames and his wife, Janet; and Jeff Shames; her grandchildren, Lisa (Keith), David (Nicole), Sam (Hannah), Alex, and Emily; and her great-grandchild Jordan.

She will be deeply missed and forever celebrated by her family and all those who knew her.

A private burial was held at the Crawford Street Memorial Park Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA.

In lieu of flowers, do what Shirley would have done and treat yourself to a show of the arts and a good dinner.