Shirley Desmarais Obituary, Death – Shirley Carolyn (D’Ambroise) Desmarais, a beloved matriarch and pillar of her community, gracefully concluded her journey of life on August 17, 2023, at the age of 90. She found tranquility in her Derry, NH residence, surrounded by the warmth of her devoted family. Shirley’s life was a testament to the strength of familial bonds and unwavering love.
Born and raised in Lowell, MA, Shirley’s journey was one marked by dedication and achievement. She graduated from Lowell High School in 1950, setting the stage for a life rich in experiences. The cherished elder sister to Sylvia Bailey, Robert D’Ambroise, Patty D’Ambroise, and Joyce Parent, Shirley’s influence extended deeply into her family’s heart.
Her love story with high school sweetheart Arthur Desmarais was a tapestry woven with devotion, spanning an awe-inspiring 62 years. Their enduring love remained steadfast even after Arthur’s passing in 2013. In 1965, Shirley moved to Londonderry, NH, where she pursued her passion for seamstress work, founding Shirley’s Bridal Shoppe. Her flair for real estate led her to associations with Tinkham Realty and Berkshire Hathaway, earning her well-deserved accolades.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Shirley reveled in music as a talented classical pianist, epitomizing her appreciation for artistry and culture. She found solace by the ocean, adoring the shores of New Hampshire, Cape Cod, and Florida. Shirley’s discerning eye for beauty extended to her love for antiques, home decor, fashion, and equestrian interests, mirroring her vibrant spirit.
Her faith was another cornerstone of her life, seen through her involvement at St. Jude Parish Community in Londonderry and St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Derry. Shirley’s infectious optimism and deep appreciation for life’s joys radiated through her very being, embodying the concept of “Joie de Vivre.”
As Shirley’s life story takes its place among cherished memories, her legacy continues through her daughters, Michelle Desmarais and Marisa Desmarais, who tenderly cared for her during her illness. She was a cherished “Meme” to Gemma, Olivia, and Quentin Caruso, illuminating the lives of the younger generation. Shirley’s kindness resonated with nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, leaving an indelible mark of love.
