Shirley R. Arceci

WINCHENDON - Shirley R. Arceci, 95, of Ipswich Drive, Winchendon, Massachusetts passed away peacefully December 28th at Alliance Health at Baldwinville, 51 Hospital Road, Templeton, MA after a short residence.

Shirley was born in Winchendon, Massachusetts on September 21, 1929, the daughter of Edward and Blanche (Ouellette) Homon and remained a lifelong resident of Winchendon.

A 1947 graduate of Murdock High School, Shirley went on to attend Burbank Hospital School of Nursing, Fitchburg, MA where she graduated, receiving her LPN accreditation. Upon graduating, she began her nursing career at the Winchendon Hospital. That career would expand to include Athol Hospital, Open Arms Nursing Home and Broadview Assisted Living.

Nursing was far more than a career, it was her life’s work and passion, as she lived her life with loving compassion, empathy and an absolute selflessness. Her respect and appreciation for her profession was never more on display than with those that would come to take care of her.

She would meet her husband Leon J. Arceci during a chance encounter at the Movie Theater in Winchendon and following his return from World War II they were married on October 29th, 1949, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and would have 61 years together. They would go on to have four children, Susan, Peter, David and Paul.

A lifelong parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Shirley was engaged in many of the Church’s activities from the annual Strawberry Festival, to baking her award-winning lemon meringue pie and teaching Sunday morning CCD. 

An avid reader, it was not uncommon for her to finish a book a day. This passion for reading was all but taken from her when her eyesight failed. With the support of her nephew and godchild, Kevin Chalifoux, she was able to re-kindle that passion through recorded books provided by the Worcester Talking Book Library. 

She leaves her daughter Susan S. Normandin of Jaffrey, NH, two sons, Peter L. Arceci of Winchendon, MA and Paul J. Arceci and his wife Linda of Downers Grove, IL, daughter-in-law, Karen Arceci of Manchester, NH, along with 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild and many nephews and nieces. Additionally, she leaves two sisters, Janet Chalifoux and Faye Sargent, as well as her brother Robert Caouette.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband Leon (2010), son David (2006), grandchildren Lisa (2014) and Aaron (2015). She was also predeceased by her sister Carol Green.

From the Arceci family – A special acknowledgement to Roxie Tenney and Lynda Drake who aided Shirley in making her life, happier, safer and qualitatively longer. Thank you both!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Spruce Street, Winchendon. Calling Hours will be held from 9:30-am- 10:30 am  in the STONE-Ladeau Funeral Home, Central Street.

In lieu of flowers, it is encouraged that donations be made to the Winchendon Fire Department Gift Account, 405 Central street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at a date to be determined.

Kevin Mack, Walter Taylor & Dan Serina Funeral Directors.