Shirley Moore Barnes – Age 91, wife of the late William Barnes, died Sunday, January 1 at her home in Billerica MA.
She was born in Bedminster NJ, January 13, 1931, daughter of Reverend George and Marian (Van Nuys) Moore, the third of three children. Raised in New Jersey, she received a BA from Douglass College in 1952 and a MSW from the University of Pennsylvania in 1954. She and Bill lived in New Jersey and Needham MA, before settling in Springfield VT, where they lived for almost 30 years. Shirley moved to Billerica to live with her daughter and son-in law 21 years ago, following Bill’s death.
Shirley was a sensitive and gifted clinical social worker/psychotherapist and administrator for Mental Health Services of Southeastern Vermont for over 20 years prior to her retirement in 1996. While at MHSSV she developed psychosocial-rehabilitation services for developmentally challenged and mentally ill clients, and founded Beekman House in Proctorsville VT for residential aftercare.
Shirley had remarkable talents and skills, and her accomplishments were many. She was a talented cook and loved coordinating parties for and entertaining friends, family and co-workers. She expressed her creativity and was prolific at sewing, painting, flower arranging, and designing and creating many cross-stitched art works for family members and friends. She read voraciously, especially biographies, history and other nonfiction. She loved decorating her homes and offices. Shirley was an avid genealogist, researching and writing a number of books and publications about her and her family members’ ancestries. She and Bill were active travelers and particularly enjoyed trips throughout New England, Arizona, Canada and Europe.
She was an active member of social and educational clubs and groups throughout her life including the Billerica Historical Society.
Shirley particularly believed in the importance of strong family relationships and was fearless in her approach to life. She was a valued friend and mentor to many people, forging and maintaining lifelong relationships that provided invaluable support and memorable good times.
She is survived by her daughters, Ellen Lawrence and her husband Douglas of Tucson AZ, Kimberley Wright and her husband Charles of Billerica, and four nieces, a nephew and their families. She was the mother of the late John Barnes (deceased 2009).
We will cherish what she taught us as the family matriarch. Her memory, her spirit, and extraordinary ability to give will forever be with all of us. A memorial service and interment will take place at a later date in Millstone NJ. Contributions may be made in her name to the National Wildlife Federation at: https://support.nwf.org/page/28984/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=SRC&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1PKQtNWr_AIVAo3ICh19wA4aEAAYASABEgK3rPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
