WESTFIELD: Shirley Grace (Benson) Williams, 88, passed away on July 28, 2015 surrounded by her loved ones. Shirley was born August 26, 1926 in Hartford, CT., the daughter of Roy B. and Helen C. (Anderson) Benson.
Shirley spent her early years in Springfield, MA; Kittery, Maine; and Cabin Creek, MD. where she graduated from high school before relocating to Hartford, CT. She worked at Liberty Mutual Insurance in Springfield, and later at the Roger Butler Insurance Agency in Westfield until her retirement in 1989. She was a member of Golden Chapter No. 5, OES and the UCC Second Congregational Church in Westfield. Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, Lawrence N. Williams in 2009. Together, they built their Westfield home, which was the center of Shirley’s life. She enjoyed caring for her home, reading, traveling, knitting intricate sweaters, braiding wool rugs, and sewing. She was very proud of her Swedish heritage.
Shirley leaves behind her devoted daughter, Deborah Woodford and her husband David of Westfield; her granddaughter Molly Roy and her husband Adam of Avon, CT; great granddaughter Emma Roy; brother Roy Benson and his wife Marlene of Southwick, MA; sisters-in-law Jane Ross of Westfield, MA and Bernice Williams of Winter Haven, FL; a nephew, a niece, and her cousin Marion Whitney. Shirley was also predeceased by an infant brother, Roy B. Benson, Jr.
The family wishes to thank the assisted living staff of the American Inn, Caring Solutions, the Genesis HealthCare of Westfield, and Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice for their support and compassionate care they gave Shirley and her family.
Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Calling hours will be held Thursday, July 30 from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home at 624 College Highway, Southwick, MA. The funeral will be held at the UCC Second Congregational Church, 487 Western Ave, Westfield, MA on Friday at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield. A gathering for family and friends will be held in the Founders’ Room of the church after the committal service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085 in gratitude for their exceptional hospice care.
