Shirley A. (Wilbur) Alves, 88, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family after a period of declining health. She was the loving wife of the late Joseph R. Alves with whom she shared 60 years. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Gibbons) Wilbur.
Born and raised in New Bedford, she graduated from NBHS in 1951 and worked for Wamsutta Mills in a secretarial position until 1959. During her younger years, she was an avid bowler. After the birth of her four children, Shirley volunteered at Charles S. Ashley school in various roles until each of her children moved on to junior high school. She then spent 30 years volunteering for the Auxiliary at St. Lukes’ Hospital delivering flowers weekly to the sick.
Shirley enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and over the years took her grandchildren on many local adventures. She loved to cook and host family dinners and was known for her excellent baking skills. In her free time, she enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and watching her beloved Celtics play.
Shirley is survived by her children: Brian Alves and his wife Jennifer of Mundelein, IL, Susan Bettencourt and her husband Harry of New Bedford, Matthew Alves of Florence, SC, and Elizabeth Bernaiche and husband Michel of Lakeville, as well as six grandchildren: Sean, Brittany, Jared, Julia, Christian, and Lauren, and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of Harriet Shaw and late siblings Charles, Catherine, John, and Gladys.
Funeral service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at the Kirby Funeral Home at 11:30 A.M.
Visitation will be Wednesday, from 10-11:30 A.M., prior to the service.
Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shirley’s name to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.