Shirley R. (Peters) Powers

HOLYOKE

Shirley (Peters) Powers, age 85, of Holyoke, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at home surrounded by her family.  She was a life long resident of Holyoke born in August of 1935, the daughter of the late Rhea (Rivest) Richard and Michael Peters. She was also predeceased by her loving stepfather Henry R. Richard in 1975. Besides her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her husband, John A. Powers in 1995, her son, Michael J. Powers in 2006 and her brother, Michael Peters in 1958.

Shirley graduated from Holyoke High School and worked as a secretary before working as an IRA Specialist for Peoples Savings Bank for 46 years. When she retired in 2017, she was its longest employee ever. In 1955 she met her husband of 38 years John A. Powers and they were married at Blessed Sacrament Church where she was a life-long communicant. The following years were spent raising their 2 children Trish and Mike celebrating life’s milestones and holidays hosting many parties, picnics and St Patrick’s Day Parades with friends and extended family. They also worked together on civic projects and vacationed with a group of friends that are still close today. Shirley was a past member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, the Holyoke Jaycee’s and local political campaigns.  Later in life Shirley enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren taking the family on many fabulous vacations.  She also often traveled with her close friends and was known for her sassy sense of humor and impeccable memory for dates and the lyrics of Irish songs. She is survived by her daughter, Patrice "Trish" Leonard and her husband Mark; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Reno, Ian Leonard, Colin Leonard and Matthew Leonard as well as great grandchildren, Michael and Abigail Reno and Nora Leonard all of Greenfield.

  A Funeral will be held on Friday January 15^th with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street. Burial will be held privately in Saint Jerome Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Shirley to Sage Housing, Inc., 500 Victory Road, Quincy, MA 02171 whose mission is to provide supportive affordable housing for those in recovery from addiction or the charity of one's choice.Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home is handling arrangements.