Miriam Ann Shirley

Miriam Ann Shirley, born on August 24, 1937, in Fairhaven, MA, passed away on January 16, 2025, in Port Orchard, WA. Miriam's life was a testament to kindness and dedication, a legacy woven through the strands of her family and community.

Miriam attended the historic Fairhaven High School, where she started to cultivate a lifelong love for learning and connecting with others. She began her professional journey with her first job at the Gas and Electric Co. after high school. She then devoted many years to being a homemaker, raising her family with love and care. Later, she embraced a role as a Supply Clerk for Pan-Am at the Bangor Subbase and concluded her working career at PSNS, where she enjoyed her time until her husband, Joseph F. Shirley, retired.

Miriam's kindness was evident in her various roles within community organizations and clubs, including Lollipops & Roses, serving as a Bluebird leader, being an active member of the Tennis Club, Bible Study groups, Red Hats, PTA, Port Orchard Yacht Club (POYC), church organizations, and serving as a chaperone at SK Ski School. Her enthusiasm for life extended to her family adventures, where she supported her husband at Thunderbird Sailboat Races and, during later years, enjoyed winter trips to Mexico for sailing in the Sea of Cortez.

Miriam's vibrant personality and love for dance brought her to meet her husband, Joseph at Lincoln Park in Westport, MA. Their union was filled with shared memories and experiences that defined their family. Though Joseph predeceased her on December 12, 2019, Miriam continued to honor his memory through her dedication to family and community.

Miriam is survived by her loving daughters, Lynne Keller and Joanne Shirley (Terrance Lee), along with her cherished grandchildren: Bryce Shirley (Tiani), Clayton Shirley, Melina Shirley-Lee, Timothy Keller, Megan Weathers (Michael), Kathryn Sweeney (Dakota), and Samantha Keller. Additionally, she took great pride in her great-grandchildren: Bryce Shirley Jr., Noah Shirley, Ilani Shirley,Mereoleona Shirley, Maverick Weathers, and Macklin Weathers, as well as Ellianna Opulencia-Keller. Miriam is also survived by nieces Dale Ensinger (Sandy - previously deceased) and Barbara Crook (David), their children and grandchildren, as well as cousins Rosalind Frizzell and her son Mike Frizzell (Chelsea) in Massachusetts.

A memorial service celebrating Miriam’s life will be held on March 2, 2025, at Rill Chapel's Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard, WA, starting at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception at the same location.

Miriam Ann Shirley will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her spirit of kindness and the joy she brought to those around her will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.