Born and raised in Salem MA, Shirley spent most of her years living in Salem and Marblehead. She graduated from Wheelock College in 1946 and began what would be a long and rewarding career in teaching beginning at the Moses Brown School in Rhode Island.
Married to William Nickerson Creesy in 1948, she took time off from teaching to begin her family and was an active member of many organizations in Marblehead including the Corinthian Yacht Club, Gut'n Feathers and Sewing Club.
She returned to teaching in 1959 when she began the nursery school at the Old North Church; at the time of her death she was one of the longest serving members of the church. However, many will remember Shirley, or Mrs. Creesy, as the long time first grade teacher at Shore Country Day School, in Beverly. For 34 years, she gave her all to each of her students and started them on their educational careers with a strong foundation and loving touch.
After her retirement in 1996, Shirley continued her work with children as a substitute teacher at Brookwood School in Manchester. Retirement also allowed her to dedicate her time to her two greatest passions, her family and Old North Church, where she served as Chair of the Flower Committee and as a Deacon.
She was always proud and eager to talk about both her children and grandchildren, she enjoyed sharing their news and stories with friends and neighbors.
Shirley is survived by her children, Stephen Creesy and his wife Dian of Danvers, Brad Creesy and his spouse David Gibbs of WA, and Pam Hawes and her husband Lawrence of Ipswich; two grandchildren, Ian Fyfe, and Nickerson Hawes; and several nieces and nephews. She was also the mother of the late Peter K. Creesy.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Old North Church, 35 Washington Street, Marblehead on Wednesday, August 3 at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B102, Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements by Eustis and Cornell of Marblehead.
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