It is with great love and sadness that the family of Shirley Ann Garutti, 87, announce her passing on November 19, 2020 at Chestnut Hill of East Longmeadow.
Born in Springfield, she was the daughter of the late Marcello and Mary (Balboni) Garutti. Shirley attended Springfield schools, graduating from the High School of Commerce. She worked at various insurance companies before working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Payroll Inspector, from where she retired. Shirley was a professional woman above all and prided herself as being an independent woman.
She belonged to the Italian Women’s Club, Adriatic Club, and St. Mary’s Women’s Guild; she was a generous woman, always there to help in any way she could. All who knew her were aware of how proud she was of her Italian heritage.
Shirley was a devout Catholic and a faithful member of Holy Name Parish for over 60 years, where she volunteered her time. She was an avid knitter, and her tradition of making beautiful Christmas stockings for all the family will never be forgotten. She will be greatly missed for her beautiful smile, deviled eggs, and pizzelles, that she brought to every family function.
Most of all, it was Shirley’s devotion, loyalty, and fierce love of family that exemplified her life. Her ever-present commitment and pride in them will live on far beyond her years. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving son, John E. Dempsey, Jr. & wife Carla of Feeding Hills, her dear sisters and brother, Dolores DeRose of Longmeadow, Marcello Garutti & wife Carolyn of Springfield, and Sandi Brais & husband Philip of Springfield, along with sister-in-law, Carol of Merritt Island, FL, her loving goddaughter, Diane Guihan, many dear nieces & nephews, her step grandchildren, Derek (Narumi) Innarelli and Kevin (Allison) Innarelli, and 5 step great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by her brother, Angelo, and brother-in-law, Robert DeRose.
A special thank you to her many caregivers at Chestnut Hill, especially Doreen, for their compassion and care for Shirley.
Family and friends are invited to Shirley’s Liturgy of Christian Burial, Tuesday, November 24, 11 a.m. at Holy Name Parish. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Masks & social distancing required.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Name Parish, 323 Dickinson St., Springfield, MA 01108.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.
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