Shirley Huntington

OXFORD - Shirley A. (Doherty) Huntington, 78, of Lind Street, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in her home. She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, David M. Huntington of Oxford, who died in 2007. She is survived by two daughters, Lisa D. Huntington and her husband Bruce Ware of Oakham, and Julie M. Kudron and her husband Mark of Oxford; her daughter-in-law, Donna L. Huntington of Webster; six grandchildren, Justin Huntington and his wife Caitlin, Ian Huntington and his wife Melissa, Sarah Ware, Samuel Ware, Delaney Kudron, and Daniel Kudron; two brothers, Lester Doherty and his wife Judy of Middleboro, MA and Richard Doherty and his wife Geraldine of Hartsville, SC; her sister, Beverly Doherty of New Ipswich, NH; nephews, nieces; and longtime friend Marie Duhamel of Auburn. She was predeceased by a daughter, Diane M. Huntington who died in 1960; a son, Russell D. Huntington who died in 2010; a sister, Elaine Blanding; and a brother, Russell Doherty. She was born in Nashua, NH, the daughter of the late Henry and Sarah (Lewis) Doherty, and lived most of her life in Oxford. She graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester in 1955. Mrs. Huntington was a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church in Worcester, where she and her husband met as teens. She was involved with the Camp Fire Girls for many years, first as a member and later as a leader. In recent years, Shirley served as a board member for the Healing Heart Hospitality House organization. She also was a fan of classic movies and loved jigsaw puzzles. Though she was a bookkeeper by profession, Shirley's real calling in life was caring for her family and helping those in need. She enjoyed keeping in touch with her many friends and extended family and cared deeply for them all. More than anything, Shirley enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, teaching them her baking secrets, playing songs on the piano and sharing her love of gardening. The family wishes to thank Shirley's neighbors, who showed her such caring and were of great help to her. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be private at a later date at North Cemetery in Oxford. Calling hours are Monday, March 16, 2015, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942 or Healing Heart Hospitality House, PO Box 2432, Worcester, MA 01613.