Shirley (Mastromatteo) Palermo, 86, a lifelong resident of Franklin, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024. Shirley was the beloved wife of the late James Palermo.
Born on October 26, 1937, Shirley was the daughter of Mary (Paladino) and Giuseppe Mastromatteo. Shirley lost her mother shortly after her birth and was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Paul and Rose Paladino whom she spoke of fondly. Shirley graduated from Franklin High School in 1955 and was a lifelong member of Saint Mary's Church.
A hardworking woman, Shirley was truly a jack of all trades, often juggling 2–3 jobs at a time. Most will remember Shirley working as a hairdresser in various establishments and nursing homes, touching the lives of many. She also worked in cosmetics for several department stores, including Lord and Taylor. In addition, Shirley contributed her skills to countless local businesses in Franklin, most recently working at the Franklin Senior Center and the Franklin Library.
Shirley was always quick to lend a helping hand, offering her straightforward no nonsense advice to friends and family. She was an exceptional cook particularly of her homemade raviolis and meatballs, seamstress, and craftswoman, with even an ambition on occasion for woodworking and concrete projects. Of all the qualities Shirley had, absolutely no one could clean and polish quite like her.
In recent years, Shirley enjoyed spending much of her time with her newfound love of 10 years, Tony DiFonzo.
Shirley, or Shu Shu as known by family and friends, leaves behind her three children: Jody (Palermo) Chapman, Paula (Palermo) Murphy, and James Alan Palermo, along with her grandchildren Nicole (Chapman) Gosselin, Billy Chapman, Laurie (Murphy) Hirsch, Jennifer (Murphy) Fisher, Gregory Murphy, Zachary King, James Palermo and Joseph Palermo. Shirley also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren. May the memories of Shirley live on through her family, friends and those who knew her.
She was the sister of the late Herbert, Raymond, Frank, Joseph, Peter & Charlie Mastromatteo and Rose Dunnebier.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Tuesday October 1st, at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Franklin at 10AM.
Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.
Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com