The Smiley-Batcheller-Varounis family regrets to announce that our beloved Shirley lost her valiant fight against cancer on February 17th. Shirley lived most of her life in Lowell before moving to Palm Bay, Florida several years ago, where she died at the age of 49.
At the time of her death, she was employed as manager of Staples, Inc in Vero Beach, Florida, after having been employed at the Tewksbury location for many years.
In her younger years, she proudly joined the United States Army, serving the 101st Airborne Division based in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Shirley was a rabid Red Sox and Olympic Games fan with an extensive memorabilia and pin collection, and enjoyed frequent trips to Fort Meyers and Fenway Park. She was a great fan of science fiction, enjoyed the music of Queen and took great joy in sharing a love of Ford Mustangs with her husband.
Shirley was the eldest daughter of Joan and Sonny Batcheller, who preceded her in death.
She leaves behind a grieving husband, James Varounis of Lowell; a loving daughter, Stephanie Smiley of Dorchester; three sisters, Hazel of Methuen, Dawn of Manchester, NH, and Mary of North Carolina; two brothers, James of Hudson, NH and Joseph of Oklahoma. Missing her will also be two grandchildren, Nicholas and George, and a multitude of friends.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 17th, at 11:00 a.m. in the Tewksbury Cemetery. Family, friends, co-workers, and Red Sox fans who Shirley has met are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Susan G. Komen “For The Cure” Foundation is requested, however, you may send or bring flowers if you wish.