WESTFIELD – Shirley G. Smith, 88 (1937-2026), passed away on April 3, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born in West Tremont, ME on August 29, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Henry A. and Burdell M. (Pomroy) Goodwin.
Besides her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband of 66 years, Wayne, who passed away on January 16, 2022; her son-in-law Robert Brennan and her siblings Harriet, Frank, Paul, Richard, John, Roy and Donald. She leaves her children Susan Brennan, Kathy Horensky and her husband Carl, Joanne Hentnick and her husband Paul and Julia Salafia and her husband Joseph. Shirley was also blessed with her grandchildren Kristopher, Jonathan (Jill), Jessica (Robert), Paul, Jr. (Madison), Lauren, Alex and Cassandra (Colin) and her great grandchildren Celia, Dylan, Alma, Maverick, Wayne, Leonard and Carter. Shirley also leaves her sister Eleanor Murphy and her many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Shirley met Wayne at a 4-H event and married him in 1955. They moved to Lee, Massachusetts where Wayne took a job at Highlawn Farm. They soon started their family. Shirley was a stay-at-home mom. She loved being home nurturing their daughters. After the youngest girls were in school, Shirley worked at Sears and Roebuck in the catalog department. She then went to work for Westfield Coatings Corp.
Shirley dedicated many years of her career to Westfield Coatings Corp., where she built lasting friendships with her colleagues. After retiring in 2002, Shirley continued to work as an office manager for more than 15 years, for her son-in-law, Paul, at Hentnick Chimney Sweeps. Shirley served not only as Paul’s “right-hand” but was a familiar and friendly voice to countless customers. She was an active member of the UCC Second Congregational Church, in Westfield, serving faithfully over the years as both Deacon and Treasurer.
Shirley cherished time with her family. She returned to the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, Maine, to reconnect with relatives. As the grandchildren arrived, “Grammie” became a very important and loving part of their lives. Everyone enjoyed summer barbecues, where Shirley always claimed the most burnt hot dog. A devoted New England Patriots fan, Shirley spent countless hours watching games and exchanging spirited texts with her sons-in-law about plays and referee calls. Her favorite card game was Cribbage, and everyone knew not to call during Jeopardy!
One of Shirley’s most remarkable qualities was her ability to make those she loved feel special. Whether through a thoughtful note in a card, a funny text message, or a long phonecall to catch up, she had a gift for making people feel valued. She was, and always will be her family’s biggest cheerleader.
Shirley’s Celebration of Life will be a private gathering.
Memorial contributions in Shirley’s memory can be made to the UCC Second Congregational Church, PO Box 814 Westfield, MA. 01086. Please visit www.forastiere.com to leave an online condolence.
