Worcester: Shirley M. (Gailey) Shepeluk, 91, passed away on Wednesday August 27th, after a brief stay at Knollwood Nursing Home. She leaves three children William A. Shepeluk and his wife Ingrid of Waterbury, VT; Christina (Shepeluk) Phelan of Worcester; and Wesley Shepeluk and his wife Laurie of Worcester; grandchildren Andrew Shepeluk, Linnea (Shepeluk) Veazey, Eric Phelan, Tara Phelan and Victoria Shepeluk; 5 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Wasily Shepeluk, Jr. and siblings Joyce (Gailey) Foley and Jean (Gailey) Nanof.
Shirley was born in Worcester on September 29, 1933, the daughter of the late William and Edith (Holmes) Gailey. She graduated from South High School and earned her diploma in nursing from Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a Registered Nurse at the former Worcester City Hospital for more than 35 years, retiring as a supervisor of nurses.
Shirley was a wonderful athlete winning awards in swimming, roller skating and track as a teenager. As an adult she was an excellent bowler, participating in several leagues over the course of many years.
Shirley married Wasily Shepeluk, Jr. in June 1957 and they were married 48 years. Together they cherished good times with family and friends. Shirley enjoyed arts and crafts, particularly painting, and she loved playing cards and games, traveling, and eating out. She especially loved spending time at beaches, both in New England and in Florida where she wintered for 25 years, 12 of them with her husband.
In addition to being blessed with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other extended family members, Shirley was so very fortunate to have a close circle of long-time friends. The family wants to pay special tribute to her best friend of 73 years, Arlene Frustaci, whom she met at the start of their nurses’ training and who was with Shirley the day before she passed away.
Respects may be paid to the family on Saturday September 27th at 10:00 A.M. and a funeral service will immediately follow at 10:45 A.M. at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, in Worcester. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to Briarwood Resident Assistance Fund, 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, MA 01606. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click guestbook link.