Published May 7, 2021
MELROSE — Shirley J. Lawler (Hatch) of Melrose passed away peacefully on May 1, 2021, at the age of 95. She was born in Reading to Ida and William Hatch. She was the sister of Caroline, Marilyn, Robert, and Roland.
She was married to the late Raymond A. Lawler for 62 years. Shirley was the devoted mother of Donna Grover and her husband Robert of Melrose; James Lawler and his wife Marilyn of Milford New Hampsire and the late Deborah Vitale, the late Doreen Levy and the late Richard Lawler. Cherished grandmother, better known as “Curly Shirley,” to wonderful grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
She loved candy and cookies and hiding a few in her pockets for later. She loved to make up elaborate bedtime stories and relate them somehow to each individual grandchild.
Shirley had a passion for singing and was most famous for copying whistles to all types of birds. She was thoughtful, selfless, sweet, and kind and will be greatly missed by all of her family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Forest Glen Cemetery, Reading.
For directions and to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com
