METHUEN – Shirley Mae (Merrill) Gordon, 89, of Methuen, died peacefully August 19, 2014, at home surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband of almost 65 years, Bernard H. Gordon, in 2011.
Born and educated in Burlington, Vermont, Shirley was the daughter of the late Clara (Daley) and Christopher Merrill. She was the revered mother of eight children including son, David Gordon and his wife Rosemary of North Andover; daughter, Linda Jones of Derry, NH; son, Michael Gordon of Salem, NH; daughter, Diane Gordon of Methuen; son, John Gordon and companion Kristin Tomaselli of Methuen; son, Thomas Gordon and his wife Noel of Methuen; and daughter, Katherine Foderaro and her husband David of Methuen. Shirley was predeceased by her cherished son William in 1994. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Parker of Vermont and her brother, Robert Merrill of Florida.
Shirley spent her entire adult life attending to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader and baker and was renowned in particular for her homemade apple pies and chocolate chip cookies. While Shirley very much looked forward to her annual visits back to Vermont, reconnecting with family and old friends, she most enjoyed spending time with those she adored: her children, 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. And they, in turn, found every moment with "Gram" one of endearment and joy. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Shirley were always touched by her warmth, caring demeanor and perpetual smile. Her family truly was her life; she was completely devoted to her family, and she will be sorely missed by all who were graced by her love.
ARRANGEMENTS: In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Shirley's memory to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack Street. Building 9, Lawrence, MA 01843. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Friday, August 22, 2014 at 11AM at St. Monica's Church in Methuen. At the request of the family, there are no calling hours and burial will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc., 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. To send an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gordon family.