Shirley Mae Lewis

Shirley was born in Needham. MA in 1929 to Mabel Elizabeth Eames Dodge and Harry Delbert Dodge.  She graduated from High School in 1947.  She moved to Auburn in 1949, where she attended Worcester State College and graduated in 1951 with her teaching degree.  She taught for the town of Auburn at Pakachoag Elementary as a fourth-grade teacher for 35 years.  After her retirement she moved to Barre to be closer to family and remained in Barre for over 30 years.

She is predeceased by her husband, Eugene Lewis and her two children, Debra Mae Kruger Brunell and C. Dana Kruger.  

Shirley leaves behind her very dear friend, Ronald Jacobs of Barre, two granddaughters, Rachel Mae Brunell of Leominster and Audrey Lynn Brunell of Barre, four great-grandchildren, Justin Varney, Juia Varney and her spouse Joe Tuliano, Sonya Brunell and Brady Brunell.  She also leaves behind her great-great granddaughter, Evelyn Mae Tuliano, who she adored so much, and her great-great grandson Wesley Tuliano, who is due to be born early in August.

While married to Eugene and living in the town of Auburn, she would organize the annual Fourth of July parade.  She would also work closely with Eugene to build and paint exquisite dollhouses and various other wooden creations.  For the last couple of years, she found companionship with Ronald Jacobs, also an artistic craftsman.  They worked together and built a bond over the hobbies they enjoyed together.  

Shirley had many hobbies that she was well known for.  She was an avid quilter, and you would often find her on the common of Barre during the Farmer's Market selling her creations.  She also enjoyed painting.  She was a member of the Barre Farmer's Market and became known as "Quilt Lady on the Common."  She was the founder of the Ecumenical Quilters, a group that became known for their charitable gifts to many organizations, one of which was sending their sewn sundresses to Haiti after their devastating earthquake.  She was also a member of Post 2 Auxiliary Legion and a member of the Barre Congregational Church.  She loved to sing and found joy in helping others in need.  She was very proud of her services to others.

There will be no services per her request. She will be greatly missed by many.