Shirley Mae (LaRosee) Collentro – Age 81 of Billerica, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023 after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Shirley Mae was born on August 30, 1942, in Newton, MA, the daughter of George LaRosee and Elsie (Stacy) Hyson. She was one of 6 siblings.
In addition to her parents, Shirley Mae was predeceased by her beloved husband James J. Collentro, Jr., siblings, Howard LaRosee, Thomas Hyson, Robert Hyson and Carole Doucette; her sister-in-law Shirlien Fabich; and her many cousins and friends.
Shirley is lovingly survived by her sister, Phyllis Kepple of Alabama, her sons and daughters, James Collentro, of Maryland, Dennis Collentro of Hill, N.H, Tracy Friberg and her husband Hal of Navarre, Florida, Lisa Birchall and her husband Michael of Chester, Vermont, and Tami DeRose of Billerica. Nana banana will be deeply missed by all of her grandchildren; Nicholas and his wife Valerie, Eric, Amanda, Andrew, Shelbi, Jesse, Ryan, Shane, Lauren and Jessica, and by her great-granddaughter, Cheyenne.
Jim “Brother” and Shirley Mae were married in 1963 and shared 57 loving years together before his passing in 2020. They would have celebrated 60 years together this year, a milestone many only dream about. The biggest accomplishment and main focus in their lives was family. They were the best hosts during all family functions, holidays and birthday parties and were the loving voices when they called you together on speaker phone to sing you happy birthday. They were the perfect duo and have a lot of Hallmark movies to catch up on now that they’re reunited.
After the tragic loss of her husband, Shirley Mae was given a kitty as comforting gesture to heal her broken heart. Poopsie, aka Missy become her pride and joy up until her passing. The name Poopsie was very special as it was a nickname that Jim gave to Shirley Mae many years prior. Shirley Mae had a lifelong love for all animals which has been a trait she has passed down to all of her children and grandchildren. Shirley Mae was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday December 19th, 2023 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, located at 66 Concord Rd., Billerica. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, December 20th at the Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica at 12:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the MSPCA for her love of animals at www.mspca.org or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Previous Events
Visitation
19
Dec
66 Concord Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Graveside
20
Dec
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
Cemetery Details
Location
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
