Shirley S. Padden, 92, passed away on January 25, 2021 after a period of declining health.  She was a "Southie Girl", born in South Boston, MA, on April 17, 1928 to the late David and Helen (Riley) Shaw.  As an adult, she moved her family to Quincy and then to Stoughton, where she resided for 61 years.  In 2018, she moved to Bedford, NH, to be near her daughter and son-in-law.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Janet Cote of Merrimack, her grandson Andrew Cote, Jr. and his wife Melissa of Billerica, MA, and her great-grandsons, Alex and Matthew.  She was predeceased by her beloved brother Stewart Shaw and his wife Ann (Hundley) Shaw, her son-in-law Andrew Cote Sr., her dear friend Patricia Wasilewski, and her former husband George Padden.

Shirley was a graduate of South Boston High School and Boston Clerical School.  In 1949, she joined Baker Bros. as a secretary to Steve and Bob Baker.  As the company grew, Shirley was honored to be promoted to manager of a newly acquired division.  Over the course of 40 years with the company, Shirley came to consider the brothers and their families to be part of her extended family.

After retiring in 1989, Shirley developed a close and lasting friendship with her next-door neighbor, Patricia Wasilewski.  For the next 26 years, until Patty's passing, they spent much of their time together.  They had many common interests, including their love of animals.  They also enjoyed their annual vacations to destinations like Cape Cod and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

Shirley also had a passion for researching the family's ancestry.  She spent countless hours visiting the archives in Boston, scrutinizing census reports, tracking leads on ancestry websites, and corresponding with newly found relatives.  She was proud to be able to trace the family's roots back through many generations.

When she moved to New Hampshire, Shirley often commented on the beauty of the State and how she should have moved north sooner.  After taking care of her house in Stoughton for decades, she loved the easy living in her apartment at Maple Ridge Estates of Bedford.  Despite being in her 90's, the highlight of each week was the camaraderie she enjoyed at the Bone Builders exercise class sponsored by the apartment community.

Shirley was always a very independent person who liked to be on her own, so when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the State, it was with reluctance and sadness that she agreed to give up her apartment and move in with her daughter in Merrimack.  Their time together was a blessing, and they enjoyed most of 2020 living together until it became necessary for Shirley to move to a memory care residence.  She appreciated all the attention and kindness she was shown by the staff at Bridges by Epoch in Nashua, and the family is grateful for the quality of care they provided.

Some of the family memories that Shirley held dear included the birth of her grandson, Andrew Cote, Jr., Andy's marriage to his wife, Melissa, and the birth of her twin great-grandsons, Alex and Matthew.  She was always delighted to have her great-grandsons visit, and would make surprise packages of crayons, stickers, and little toys to entertain them.

Throughout her life, Shirley formed many warm and lasting relationships.  She cherished these relationships and made a point of keeping in touch with emails, phone calls, and in-person visits.  She was fondly known as "Mammy" to her immediate family and will be forever loved and remembered by her family and many friends.

Due to current public health and safety concerns, funeral services for Shirley will be limited to immediate family members and held privately. Shirley's interment will take place at Last Rest Cemetery in Merrimack, NH. We thank you for your understanding during these difficult times.