Shirley M. Kopiec

Shirley M. Kopiec, 94, of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016, in the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester. She was born in Boston, on September 14, 1921, the only child of the late, Rupert C. and Ethel (Pero) Moore.  She spent most of her life in Worcester.  After attending Classical High School, she graduated from Dean Academy in Franklin (now Dean College) and later matriculated at Lasell College in Newton, where she met her husband, Andrew Kopiec. After working for the Easter Seal Society, she began working at the Visiting Nurse Association, where she was a secretary, before she retired. Shirley leaves her loving daughter and care giver, Sandra Kopiec of Worcester; her loving granddaughter, Wendy Liddy and two great grandsons, whom she adored with all her heart, Andrew and Cameron, all of Holden.  Her husband of twenty-four years, Andrew P. Kopiec, predeceased her in 1969.  She was also predeceased by a daughter and a son, Marcia L. Vogel in 2007, and Philip M. Kopiec in 2008. She was also predeceased in 2000, by her companion of many years, John L. Smith.  She is also survived by her extended family, Craig and Cindy Smith, and Marshall and Brenda Smith, all of Holden, and their families. She was a member of The First Congregational Church in Worcester and had been a member of the former Old South Church in Worcester.  She loved to be with family and friends and she found her life to be full of many gifts, including the opportunities she had to travel the world. Shirley’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all of the wonderful people at Jewish Healthcare Center and JHC Hospice, for the care and compassion they provided to Shirley and her family, during their time of need. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. At Shirley’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be conducted at the convenience of the family. Donations in her memory can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, Worcester is assisting her family with arrangements