Shirley Mahassel

Shirley Mahassel 1936-2016 Shirley “Aunt Shirl” Mahassel passed away at home, on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, after a valiant battle with cancer . She loved the Red Sox, Patriots, cooking, gardening, traveling, her church, and most of all, she loved her family. Her passing leaves an indescribable hole. Shirley was the youngest of nine children, born at home in Worcester in 1936 to Ann and Arthur Mahassel. She worked alongside her siblings at their father’s store until graduating Commerce High in 1954. After a year in sales at Woolworth’s she began a 42 year career at Wyman Gordon, working in data entry and time keeping. She attended church faithfully at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and was also an active member of the Women’s Club. But she will be most remembered as sister, cousin, godmother, aunt, great aunt, great-great aunt, and friend, and for bringing the extended family together for Sunday dinners and holidays. She is survived by her sister and caretaker Mary, brother George and wife Genevieve, brother Richard and wife Carol, sister in law Rachel, countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Diane Messersmith and her staff and RN Regina Cunningham and crew for their outstanding care during her illness. A private family service was held. Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, Worcester, assisted the family with her services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to: St George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna St, Worcester, MA 01604 or to the VNA Hospice, 120 Thomas St, Worcester, MA 01608.