Shirley E. (McNeil) Moleon

Shirley (McNeil) Moleon, the "Matriarch" of the family age 89 of Norwood, MA passed unexpectedly at her home on Sunday January 14th, She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Manny Moleon and her loving son Manny Jr and his wife Laurie also of Norwood and loving daughter Melinda Shea and her husband Terry of Needham, her cherished siblings, sisters Roseanne Spinale and her husband Richard, Linda O’Shea and her husband Paul, and brother Mickey McNeil and his wife Anna  of Norwood and the late William and Richard McNeil.

A proud and vivacious “city girl” Shirley was born in the South End of Boston where she would meet the love of her life Manny Moleon whom she married on July 5, 1964. She was the daughter of Douglas and Rose McNeil.  She would later move to West Roxbury to raise her family and care for her beloved Grandmother, “Esther” and to then move to Norwood, MA in 1977 where she remained until her passing. That “city girl” strength saw her through the loss of loved ones, losing a house to fire, a broken hip and a battle with Leukemia.

She drew her inspiration and life’s greatest joy from cherishing every moment being with her family. She was a gracious host welcoming family into her home for many years of Easter, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Shirley loved Christmas and made it special every year, “put on Johnny Mathis and turn it up!” With Shirley, you very often heard her before you saw her, quick with a smile, hug and laugh, she made friends easily. Shirley was sharp witted and would give as easily as she could take but always with a twinkle in her eye and ready laughter. Reminiscing about her upbringing, her family and the “old days” was a favorite pastime of hers along with her immense pride in her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their children.

Shirley would work for many years in Norwood at Homsy’s and later BMW where her bright personality and easy engagement endeared customers.

Shirley and her husband Manny enjoyed trips to Aruba and Shirley could be regularly spotted making quick friends enjoying the camaraderie of others playing the lottery.

She was a beloved Grandmother to Matthew and Hayley Moleon of Norwood and Harrison Shea of Needham and a beloved Aunt to Gina, Christine, Anthony, and Richard (Spinale), Kerry McEntee, Kristine Saulog and Paul O’Shea.  Shirley was a beloved mother-in-law to Lauri (Radosta) Moleon of Norwood and Terrence Shea of Needham. 

Funeral from the Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home 45 Common Street Walpole Friday morning at 9:30 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Blessed Sacrament Church Walpole at 10:30 AM.  Visiting hours will be held Thursday evening from 5-8 PM at the funeral home.  Interment at Mt Hope Cemetery Roslindale, relatives and friends invited.  

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