Shirley (Wood) Schroder of Peabody, MA died peacefully at her home on Wednesday May 18, 2016. Shirley was born in Lakewood Ohio on August 12, 1922 to Earl McKinley and Mayola (nee Doll) Wood. She graduated from Connecticut College in 1944. Shirley spent most of her adult life in Racine, Wisconsin where she was a very active volunteer. Shirley served as President of Big Sisters, sat on boards of the Junior League, the Belle School and Riverbend Nature Center among others. Preparing meals for Alzheimer patients at St. Edwards Harmony House was one of many acts of her kindness. She continued her volunteer activities at Brooksby Village in Peabody, MA. Shirley loved to entertain. Her home and kitchen were open to all. She appreciated a good joke and lived with laughter. Shirley loved spending time with her family and friends and with Eric traveled extensively to visit their daughters and grandchildren.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband John Eric Axel Schroder, her parents, and her sisters Mary and Barbara. Shirley is survived by her daughters Gretchen Schroder Fish of Weston, MA, Heidi Schroder Hughes of Kailua, Hawaii, Cassandra Schroder Hillman of Rolesville, NC, Sarah Schroder Marano and husband Frank of Raleigh, NC, and Erin Schroder Fucci and husband Joe of Meadville, PA. She leaves behind as well 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Remembrance will be held Thursday, May 26 at St. Julia Church, 374 Boston Post Rd, WESTON at 11am. Donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to the Brigham and Women's Hospital Medical Education Fund, 116 Huntington Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02116 or the Odd Cat Sanctuary, Box 714 Palmer, MA 01069.