ROWLEY: Shirley E. Worth (formerly “Edwards”) of Rowley recently passed away along with her loyal companion, Kelsey, an apricot colored miniature poodle Shirley adopted from the MSPCA-Nevins Farm many years ago. Shirley was 78 years old and had lived in Rowley for more than 50 years.

She is survived by her children, Kimberlee A. Worth of Lynn, Donald E. Worth, Jr. of Atkinson, NH, Kevin E. Worth of Rowley, her brother, Russell Edwards and his wife, Lorraine of Wakefield and many nieces and nephews and their children. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Harold and R. Beatrice Edwards, her sister Marjorie Patch and her husband Everett.

Shirley grew up in Lynnfield and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1949. Following high school, she attended Burdett College and Leland Powers. Later in life, she obtained a degree in nursing at Northern Essex Community College and continued her studies at Salem State College, where she was in the Honor Society. Shirley worked for many years as a registered nurse at Danvers State Hospital, retiring in 1992.

Shirley was a spirited, determined and extremely intelligent woman, who could easily and articulately speak her mind. She loved to learn and greatly valued education, a quality she engendered in her children. She volunteered with many organizations including the Perkins School for the Blind and the Lions Club and in many capacities including nursing home ombudsman and English tutor. She was a member of the Rowley and Ipswich Councils on Aging and relished the times she spent with Council members. Shirley enjoyed many creative areas of expression, including writing, painting and gardening, and she loved music -- listening to it, dancing to it and singing with it -- despite her uncertainty that she could carry a tune.

Calling hours will be Friday, February 5, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the F.S. Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent St., Rowley, MA. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 6, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in the First Congregational Church, Main St. (Rt. 1A) Rowley, MA. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Lions Club International Foundation, Dept. 4547, Carol Streem, IL 60122-4547 or to the MSPCA-Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.