Leominster-Shirley A. (Smith) Whitney, 89, a long time Fitchburg resident died peacefully Friday morning, February 11, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

   Shirley was born in Fitchburg on July 5, 1932, a daughter of the late Leon and Thelma (Bohaker) Smith. She graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1950.

   Shirley is survived by her children, Theodore Whitney, Patricia Caron, Kenneth Whitney and Don Whitney; five grandchildren, Jeffrey Hamblin, Mary Whitney, Beth Whitney, Ben Whitney and Joshua Whitney; three great-grandchildren, Dakota Hamblin, Emily Caron and Domenic Spinelli. Shirley was predeceased by one grandson, Andrew Hamblin, her sister Virginia Smith, her parents, and her husband.

   Shirley retired from Mass. Rehabilitation Commission after working for 22 years.  She was a former member of the Highland Baptist church and The Fitchburg Historical Society. She enjoyed all the research she did throughout her life and loved to learn. Shirley also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, and wrote poetry during most of her life.

   At Shirley’s request funeral services will be held privately.

   In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to HealthAlliance Home Care Hospice, 60 Hospital Rd., Leominster, MA 01453.

   John F. Masciarelli, James M. Hebert and Terresa Shea, Funeral Directors.