Shirley R. Quinty

SHIRLEY: Shirley R. (Ruelle) Quinty, 100, of Shirley, died Tuesday evening February 13, 2024 at her home. Shirley was “likely” born in Amherst, July 28, 1923, one of twelve children born to David and Ida (Cartier) Ruelle and grew up in West Springfield. The first in her family to graduate from high school, Shirley worked briefly in the Springfield Armory in Springfield before moving to Shirley to reside with relatives in the area. She then worked several years at Samson Cordage Company in Shirley until, in 1949, she married Francis L. “Pat” Quinty. Together they raised six children, Barbara J. Ehlmann and her husband, Jim of St. Charles, Missouri, James D. Quinty and his wife, Beth of Shirley, Donald J. Quinty and his wife, Mary Ann of Doylestown, PA, Edward A Quinty and his wife Sherri of Phoenix, AZ, Timothy P. Quinty and his wife, Zenaida of Houston, TX, and Leonard W. Quinty of Shirley (who passed away in 1990), along with his wife Maureen Quinty of York, Maine and Miami. Beach, FL. She also leaves fifteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Her husband of 50 years, Pat, died February 8, 1997. She also leaves a beloved sister, Vivian O’Grady of Townsend, MA. She is predeceased by her brothers, David, Roland, Lawrence, Bernard and Wendell; her sisters Beatrice Jourdain, Claire Maziarz, Doris Francis, Bernice Karolczak, and Anita Ruelle. Shirley was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church in Shirley. She was the Captain of the Shirley Softball Team and an avid bowler until age 95, belonging to various leagues in the area. Shirley was a strong, independent woman who loved and greatly influenced the Ruelle and Quinty families over her lifetime. In devotion she decorated her parent’s graves at St. Thomas cemetery in West Springfield for 82 consecutive years. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11am, Saturday, February 17th at St. Anthony’s Church,14 Phoenix Street, Shirley. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, through acts of kindness or a donation of your choice, lift up others in need. There are no calling hours. The Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road, Ayer is assisting the family with arrangements. www.andersonfuneral.com

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Shirley R. Quinty

July 28, 1923 - February 13, 2024