Shirley R. (Chevalier) Smith, 69, of New Bedford died February 2, 2012, surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of Mary I. (Cardoza) Chevalier and the late Arthur Chevalier. She was the beloved wife of Charles E. Smith, to whom she was married for 48 years, and loving mother of Dana C. Smith and his wife Aylin Cetik-Smith of Fairhaven.
Shirley was a dedicated employee at Charles S. Ashley and Sons Insurance for 52 years, serving the company as vice-president. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her greatest love was for her family, with whom she spent her most enjoyable moments. She will be deeply missed.
In addition to her mother, husband and son, she is survived by her grandson Ryson G. Smith, whom she cherished. She also leaves behind her best friend and sister Janice Perron and her husband Jack of Fairhaven, her dear nieces Corinne Wade and her husband Brian of New York, Lynn Aviza and her husband Darryl of Acushnet, as well as Jane Hubert and her husband Philip of Fairhaven. Lastly, she was known as the loving "Chauchie" to Connor, Caroline, and Garrett Wade, Paige, Matthew, and William Aviza, Claire, Sadie, and Laura Hubert, and Krystyna Pavao.
Shirley was a devoted animal lover, and wished that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Humane Society and Shelter Southcoast, 31 Ventura Drive, Dartmouth, MA 02747.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9:30 AM at St. Joseph-St. Therese Church. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Fairhaven. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.