Shirley A. Gilfoy

 Shirley A. (Rich) Gilfoy, 89 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2016 in UMASS Memorial Medical Center – University Campus.  Shirley was the devoted wife of nearly 50 years to the late Thomas A Gilfoy. Shirley is survived by her beloved sons, Robert Gilfoy of Worcester, Thomas Gilfoy and his wife Deborah of North Miami, FL and David Gilfoy of Worcester; her loving daughter, Carol Hagenmaier of Worcester; a sister, Barbara Rich of Worcester; 9 grandchildren, Sean, Heather, Thomas, Jamieson, Nicolette, Bianca, Cory, Danny and Joey and 15 great grandchildren. Shirley was born in Boston, the daughter of the late Carrie Rich and graduated from the former David Hale Fanning Trade School. Shirley was dedicated to children for nearly 40 years, first as a foster mother to 23 children from Worcester Children’s Friend Society and later as a Child Care provider for numerous agencies in Worcester. Shirley was a lifelong Red Sox fan and enjoyed watching games. She was active in her community and enjoyed playing cards with her friends in the building where she resided. Friends and Relatives are invited to a time of visitation on Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Shirley’s funeral Mass will be celebrated the following day at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Entombment will follow to Notre Dame Cemetery and Chapel Mausoleum, Worcester. To share a fond memory of Shirley, please visit www.mercadantefuneral.com. Flowers are welcomed or those who wish to remember Shirley by way of a memorial tribute are kindly asked to consider donating to: Children's Friend Inc. 20 Cedar St, Worcester, MA 01609