Shirley (Champion) Locke

HAMILTON, MA - A life well lived. Shirley Champion Locke, age 92, died peacefully on June 21st, 2021 surrounded by her family and in the comfort of her daughter’s home.

Born in East Millinocket, ME on September 18, 1928, Shirley was one of three children born to Blanche (Lancaster) and Frank Champion. In 1941, the family moved to Lynn, MA where she attended Lynn Classical High School. After graduating from secretarial school in Boston, she worked at General Electric in Lynn before marrying and starting a family.

Spending over 40 wonderful years in Wenham, MA, Shirley built a beautiful home filled with love and laughter for her four children. While raising her family, she worked part-time and volunteered in her community. She was an avid skier, enjoyed gardening, painting, antiquing and reading. Shirley faithfully read her newspapers, enjoyed discussing current events, and often mailed interesting or humorous “clippings” to her children.

With an amazing sense of style, Shirley was always on top of current fashion trends and knew exactly what looked good (and didn’t!) on her children. Beautiful, smart and fun, she loved life and instilled a sense of adventure in her children. She enjoyed traveling and, while she encouraged her family to see the world, she understood the value of home, often reminding them that, “It’s great to go, but it’s also great to be home.”

Shirley was the nucleus of her family, who often sought her guidance and advice. She rarely took the ups and downs of life too seriously and reminded her children to do the same.

Shirley had a sharp wit and always loved a good laugh. Later in life, she found joy spending time with those she loved, sipping a martini (Beefeater, straight up with olives) or a spicy bloody mary, hearing about the latest escapades of her family and sneaking a treat to Lulu, the beloved Frenchie. Shirley never let an opportunity pass to tell those close to her how much she loved them.

Shirley is survived by her son Peter, his wife, Barbara, and their two children, Oliver and Daisy of Wenham; son Douglas and his wife, Patricia of Boxford, and their daughter, Emma, and her husband Michael (McGreal) of South Boston; daughter Suzanne and her husband, Wilberto (Lima), of Amesbury; daughter Sarah, and her husband John (Simon), and daughter, Abigail, of Hamilton. She was loved deeply by her family and all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

Her family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the entire team of nurses at Care Dimensions and especially to Tracey and Amy for their loving support and care given to Shirley and her family.

ARRANGEMENTS: A private graveside service will be held for Shirley with a celebration of her life to be scheduled. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) Danvers. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Shirley’s memory to Cotting School, 453 Concord Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421 or online at www.cotting.org/give. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

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