Shirley J. Kelley

ATHOL – Shirley Jane Kelley, 81 of Athol, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2018 in Quabbin Valley Healthcare, Athol. Shirley was born on April 30, 1937 in Athol to the late Russell Armitage and the late Hazel (Worrell) Armitage. Shirley grew up in Athol and graduated from Athol High School with the Class of 1955. She worked for the Athol-Royalston School District in the Cafeteria at Riverbend School and then as a secretary at Starrett Tool Company, retiring in 1999. She was a member of the Athol Golden Agers, AARP and the Athol Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading, knitting and spending time with her family and friends, traveling, dancing, walking and yoga. She is survived by her three daughters: Cathleen White of Athol, Diane Billingham and her husband Jim of Athol, Eileen Cote of Athol; one brother: Michael Armitage and his wife Iris of MI; 8 grandchildren: Heather Plotkin and her husband Erik, Jason Kimball and his wife Lindsay, Nicholas Kimball and his wife Leigh-Anne, Elizabeth Bouchard and her fiancé Mark, Geoffrey Billingham and his wife Bridgette, Amanda Billingham and her companion Mike, Meghan Cote and her fiancé Erik, Sarah Cote and her companion Garrett; 12 great grandchildren: Aviana Bouchard, Tyler Plotkin, Alisa Plotkin, Gavin Plotkin, Isabella Kimball, Grayson Kimball, Kellan Kimball, Broden Kimball, Sophia Stange, Mia Stange, Cadence Hains, Reece Hains; two nieces: Shannon Armitage, Sarah Sporny; one nephew: Russell Armitage. She was predeceased by her husband of 26 years: William R. Kelley, her son: Michael Kelley; her son-in-law: Kenneth White, and her sister: Hazel Armitage. Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Higgins O’Connor Chapel, 146 Main St., Athol. Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Shirley’s name may be made to the Quabbin Valley Healthcare Alzheimer’s Fund, 821 Daniel Shays Highway, Athol, MA 01331 or the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 5780, Rockville, MD 20855. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Mack Family Funeral Homes – Higgins O’Connor Chapel, 146 Main St., Athol is assisting with arrangements.