1933 - 2023
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
Funeral
August 26, 202311:00 am
Grace Community Church, 275 Billerica Road, Chelmsford, MA
Shirley Inez (Golden) Wozny, affectionately known as “Shirl the Pearl”, of N. Chelmsford, MA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Ivy Hill Assisted Care in Haverhill, MA.
Shirley was born at her grandparents’ farmhouse in North Littleton, NH on September 2, 1933, and was the daughter of the late Thomas & Lucille (Willey) Golden.
After graduating from Littleton High School in 1952, Shirley met and married Edward Wozny. Over the course of the next twenty years, Shirley devoted her time to raising her five children as a stay at home mom. Always with an open door, she was known for her baking prowess, making enough chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon buns, whoopie pies and other sweets for all the neighborhood kids to enjoy.
Shirley moved through life with love and grace and her positivity was an inspiration to all who met her. She was fiercely independent and once her children were grown, she relocated to the Lowell, MA area and pursued a career with the New England Telephone Company and AT&T before retiring in 1990.
Shirley was a devout Christian and shared her faith in God through teaching Sunday School for almost 60 years. In retirement, she spent much of her time volunteering at Grace Community Church, My Father’s House in N. Chelmsford, MA, tutoring children in reading and volunteering as a foster grandparent in her community and worked as a crossing guard for many years in Lowell, MA.
In her late 40’s, Shirley became an avid runner and competed in various local road races over the years. When she could no longer run long distances, she slowed her pace and took to walking the same great lengths into her mid 80’s while bravely facing health challenges with dignity and living a life that mattered.
Shirley took great pride in being a Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great Great Grandmother and “Gram” to all, known for her sweet tooth and love for raspberries and chocolate. She had a love for dogs, especially her Sheltie, and beloved loyal companion, Rusty.
She is survived by a son, Mark Wozny of Kennebunkport, ME; a daughter, Bethany (Wozny) MacLeod of Dracut, MA; a daughter-in-law, Robin (Stocker) Wozny of North Haverhill, NH; a brother, Wayne Golden of Littleton, NH; her grandchildren, Jeremy Wozny, Joshua Wozny and his spouse Andrew, Beth Lacaillade and her spouse Scott, Melanie Reynolds and her spouse Pliny, Jason MacLeod and his spouse Kerry, Kelsey MacLeod, and Jessica Wozny; ten great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was the mother of the late Thomas, Kim and Matthew Wozny, the grandmother of the late Karen MacLeod, the grandmother-in-law of the late Gerald Bayette, the great grandmother of the late David Butler III and Kyle MacLeod and the sister of the late Thomas and John Golden, and the late Jacquelyn Owens Williamson.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at Ivy Hill Assisted Care for their loving kindness and the team at Tufts Hospice Care.
Shirley’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 11am at Grace Community Church in Chelmsford, MA 01824. No visiting hours. Burial at Wheeler Hill Cemetery, 1054-1196 North Littleton Rd., Littleton, NH, September 16, 2023 11am immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at 842 Foster Hill Road, Littleton, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations in memorial can be made to My Father’s House, 83 Middlesex Street, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863 or NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) donate.nami.org. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Julie & Reggie
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Such a wonderful Lady. We met Shirley as our Crossing Guard when our children were
Very little almost 29 years ago. She always had a smile , wave & kind word each morning.
We eventually moved from Lowell to N. Chelmsford & was pleasantly surprised to learn that Shirley was our neighbor .
We continued to see her every morning & rain or shine for years to come !
We will miss her & think of her often with a smile
Rest in Peace “ Shirl the Pearl”
Reggie & Julie
Andrea Owens
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Aunt Shirley was a sister to my Mom, Jacquelyn, a dear extended family member, and positive influence through the years to me and my siblings. Aunt Shirley always opened her home and heart to us when we would visit. I remember one summer, daughter Beth and I were riding bikes together and had a collision. Aunt Shirley was there with love and care to make it all better in her unique way of being. Often, when she was excited while telling a childhood story of her own, Aunt Shirley would rub her hands together vigorously while laughing. Whenever, our family recall these memories, we rub our hands together and laugh too! Aunt Shirley’s inspiring faith in action is her testament to the power of love. Her presence in memory is always with us.
Deb Golden Zuk
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Shirley was my aunt and I was one of those kids who always seemed to show up when she made chocolate chip cookies!!!!! They were the best!!!! Lucky for me I lived right next door!!!
Shirley was such a kind, spiritual, beautiful human being. I never heard her say a harsh word. I always admired Shirley for starting running in her 40s. I would see her out running and i would think…”you go girl!”.
Shirley definitely made a positive impact on her family and friends. I’m grateful to have known her.
Deb Golde Zuk
Becky Owens-Martel
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Aunt Shirl,
A wonderful Aunt and Second Mother to me, she always took good care of me and was always so fun when I was younger (I was more than a little bit accident prone). She became even more precious to me as I became an adult and had my family. She was always a joy to have in our home and at our summer camp. My entire family just adored her.
She was a walking testimony to our Lord. I am sure she is enjoying visiting with all the family and friends in Heaven that have gone before.
Sending love and prayers to Beth and Mark and all the family.
Much love,
Becky
Pete and Petey send their love too. We will all see you at the Memorial Service.