Shirley J. Smith

Shirley J. (Surette) Smith of Norwood, passed on Friday February 21, 2020. Born November 13, 1934, she was a lifelong resident of Norwood. She was the daughter of the late Harry and Evelyn Surette. Shirley is survived by her loving children, Kerry Smith and her wife Dena Wessler of Norwood, Kimberly Smith and her wife Paula Stanton of Norwood, Richard Smith Jr. and his wife Chieko of Norwood, Dineen Digiacomo and her husband Daniel of North Attleboro, and six adored grandchildren: Tyler, Justin and Zachary Smith of Norwood and Nicholas, Julia and Gianna Digiacomo of North Attleboro.

Shirley co-owned and operated a children’s consignment shop, the Children’s Clothes Closet, in downtown Norwood. Later Shirley worked as the accountant for her daughter’s dance studio, the Kerry Smith Academy of Dance Arts. In this role she became a friend and mentor to many students. She volunteered at Birthright of Norwood as a hotline counselor for several years, leading Shirley to her most cherished vocation, foster parenting. Shirley opened her home to provide teenage boys and girls with a safe place to live and the opportunity to experience the joy of family life and unconditional love.

Shirley was a talented artist and musician, a passion she passed on to her children. Nothing was more important to her than family and laughter; she was a woman with an unfailingly positive outlook and an extraordinarily kind and gentle heart.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 27th from 4 to 8pm at Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street, Norwood. Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 28th at 10am at Gillooly Funeral Home, with interment to immediately follow at Highland Cemetery in Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to Home for Little Wanderers thehome.org.