Shirley M. Branco Owen, 49, of Franklin, tragically passed away at her home on Friday, December 17, 2021.
Born in Lawrence, MA on February 13, 1972, she was the daughter of Mary P. (Wade) Branco of Franklin and the late Thomas F. Branco, Sr. She was a resident of Franklin for many years.
Shirley was raised and educated in Lawrence and was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School. She attended Bryant College and received her MBA from Bentley University. She was a Vice President for Avalara, where she specialized in mergers and acquisitions.
Shirley had the best smile and a contagious laugh. She knew how to enjoy life and loved to live it. Her home was always open to family and friends and she loved having a good time and celebrating with those around her.
Shirley took pleasure in decorating, reading, traveling and enjoyed time spent at the ocean and lake.
Shirley loved her town and the communities that helped in supporting her and her family. Most importantly, Shirley was devoted to her children. She fought for her children’s education, well-being, and safety. She was the rock of her family and was passionate, driven, outspoken, welcoming, and an advocate for her children. Once you met Shirley, you wanted to be her friend, she was just that special.
In addition to her mother, Shirley is survived by her cherished children, Jonathan T. Owen and Juliana M. Owen; her brother, Thomas F. Branco, Jr; nieces, Madison & Alexis Branco, Kassie White; her boyfriend, David Nesbitt; and members of the Branco and Wade families. She also leaves behind numerous friends and the entire Franklin Community, who have shown so much love and compassion to her family.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass on Thursday Dec. 23rd in St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin at 10AM. Face Coverings are required for the Mass. To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org
Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.
Calling hours are Wednesday Dec. 22nd, in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. from 4-7PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to New Hope in Attleboro, MA.