Shirley T. (Guerin) McDermott, 90, of Worcester, passed away peacefully, March 28th with her family by her side after a short illness. Her husband of 58 years, Edward J. McDermott died in 2005. She is survived by her son, James J. McDermott and his wife, Nancy Parsons of Brentwood, CA; her daughter, Deirdre A. Desautels and her husband, Gary of Leciester; a granddaughter, Katelyn A. Desautels of Grafton and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by a son, Michael E. McDermott in 1973 and two sisters, Rita Larson and Maureen Trainor.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of John F. and Katherine F. (McGovern) Guerin, and moved to Auburn in 1947 after marrying her husband. Shirley attended Worcester Public Schools, and was a 1943 graduate of Commerce High School. She then graduated from Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. In 1973 she completed her Bachelor of Arts, and in 1979 her Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling , both from Assumption College, while working full time. Shirley was employed by Worcester City Hospital for 40 years. She held both head nurse and supervisory nursing positions until 1970 when she became Assistant Director of the School of Nursing, until her retirement in 1985.
Following her retirement, Shirley and her husband moved to Cape Cod. They continued to travel extensively around the world, especially enjoying long stays in Mexico and cruises to Africa, Spain and the Caribbean. Nursing was always close to Shirley's heart, caring for her parents and family throughout the years whenever they were ill. As a young mother she was also a loving caregiver to her children, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Her devotion to her husband Edward for the 13 years following a series of strokes was her final expression of devotion. When Shirley was forced by his declining health to place him in a full time nursing facility she would visit him daily to be at his side, providing comfort and love until he passed five years later. Shirley's heart was her children and granddaughter. After family came travel, nursing, crossword puzzles, reading and her Irish heritage.
Shirley's family would like to thank Notre Dame du Lac, Notre Dame Long Term Care and Notre Dame Hospice for the love, care and dignity they provided in her final stage of life.
Her funeral is Thursday, March 31st from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with her funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. A visitation period will be held, from 9:30 until 10:30 the morning of the funeral in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant Street. Watertown, MA 02472.