Shirley Marie Schaefer Print

Shirley Marie (Corkery) Schaefer

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister



Shirley Marie (Corkery) Schaefer passed away peacefully on Sunday June 5, 2022 at D’Youville Senior Care in Lowell, MA.

She was the beloved wife of William F. Schaefer who predeceased her in 1986 after 42 years of a happy marriage.

Born on August 13, 1924, in Lisbon Falls, ME, she was the daughter of the late Raymond F. and Anna (Carr) Corkery.

Originally from Lowell, her family moved back when she was small. She remained here for the rest of her life. In her younger days, Shirley worked in a mill on the looms and Remington Arms during the war.

A lifelong parishioner at St. Patrick Church, where she was an active member of the Ladies’ Sodality and a Eucharistic Minister for over 30 years, she also delivered communion as a volunteer to St. Joseph’s and Saints Memorial Hospitals.

She was a Past President of the League of Catholic Women and had a great devotion to the rosary. She enjoyed anything Irish and loved the parish’s history and celebrations.

Shirley was a school traffic supervisor for over 30 years at the Dover Street and Morey Schools, a job she thoroughly enjoyed because of the students.

In her later years, she resided at Chelmsford Crossings where she volunteered to read at a local preschool. Shirley remained active, participating in many activities. She enjoyed crocheting, baking and reading. Summers would find her at Hampton Beach for an annual family vacation to which she always looked forward.

Her final years were spent at D’Youville Senior Care where she received loving and excellent medical care. She participated in any and all activities offered to the residents. She liked interacting with the nuns who were present until the pandemic changed everything with the restrictions of distancing. Shirley’s family would like to thank with gratitude all of the staff, especially the activities coordinator, the people on Sweetlands who took such good care of her in her last days, and Merrimack Valley Hospice who provided hospice care. The family also wants to thank Dr. Dimitre Sirakov who treated Shirley with love and compassion for 15 years, seeing her through to the end.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Gail Green and her husband Jeff; her son William and his wife Mary Ellen; her grandchildren David Green; Linzee Phen and her husband Sophorn; William Schaefer and his wife Jenna; Caitlin Jondro and her husband Joshua; Mikhaila Cornell and her husband Herbert; and her six great-grandchildren. She also leaves two loving sisters: Beverly Haley and Edna Van Hook and her husband Jerold, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brothers Edmund Corkery, Brendan Corkery, and her sister Joan Lovejoy.

Relatives and friends may call Friday morning June 10, 2022, at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. followed by her Funeral Mass at ST. PATRICK CHURCH at 11 o’clock. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley’s name can be made to the D’Youville Life and Wellness Community, 981 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) -458-8768.

Condolences (4)
  • Barbara Campbell  - Will Never Forget her kindness
    I grew up on Dover street. I remember Ms. Schaefer as a beautiful crossing guard always looking so professional with her crisp uniform including a hat and white gloves. She always took the time to talk to us while she safely crossed us across the street. I remember and use her saying about making sure to have a hat on in the winter so that all the heat doesn't leave our bodies! She was very special and left a positive impact on many children.
  • Maureen Schaefer
    My sincerest condolences for the loss of Auntie Shirley. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
  • Tom & Mamie White
    To the Shaefer Family We are so sorry for your loss. RIP Shirley you will be missed.
  • Kathleen Staples Groce  - Goodbye Dear Shirley.
    May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
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