Weir-MacCuish Funeral Home

Weir Mac Cuish Family Funeral Home

144 Salem Street, Malden, MA 02148

A member of the Malden Community since 1896

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Shirley Florence Harrington

Shirley F. Harrington, of Malden, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, she was 81. Born on April 14, 1926 in Haverhill, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Julia (Marston) Hodsdon. Shirley was raised and educated in both Haverhill and Somerville. In her junior year of high school, she transferred to Malden High School to finish her education. It was then she met her high school sweetheart and husband-to-be, Parker C. Harrington. On September 7, 1946, Shirley and Parker were married at the Winter Street Baptist Church in Haverhill, MA. The couple spent almost 50 years in marriage together, raising and caring for their family, until Parker's passing in June of 1996. Shirley held various jobs over the years. She worked in the jewelry department at Jordan Marsh and later worked in the office at H.P. Hood Co. in Charlestown. Shirley was also very well known as a demonstrator with Dutchmaid Clothing.

Shirley was along time and very involved member of the Maplewood Baptist Church in Malden. She was a former Deaconess in the Church and chairperson of the 125th Anniversary of the church. She was a long time choir member and always available to lend a helping hand.

She also enjoyed baking, especially her famous date-n'-nut bread, and Apple Pie. Shirley often spent many wonderful hours making crafts with her cousins. She played the piano from the age of 8 and continued all through her life. In her senior years, she was music director at the "630" Club. She would spend hours playing old songs for the residents of her community. Most of all, Shirley absolutely loved spending time with her whole family.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Linda and her husband, Tony Previti of South Burlington, VT and Gail and her husband, James Sanderson of Nashua, NH, seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, her husband's brother and sister-in-law, Lincoln and Phyllis Harrington, as well as her sister-in-laws, Jean Hodsdon of Arizona and Dorothy Hodsdon of Medford. She also leaves her many cousins. Shirley is also survived by many dear friends at the Maplewood Baptist Church community.

In addition to her husband and parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her brothers, Ralph, John Wesley, and William Hodsdon.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 9 AM in the Maplewood Baptist Church, 729 Salem Street, Malden, MA. Pastor Gary McClenthen will be officiating. A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Visitation will be held in the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem Street, Malden on Friday March, 21, 2008 from 4 to 8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Maplewood Baptist Church, 729 Salem Street, Malden, MA 02148.

Weir MacCuish Funeral Home

(781) 322-0834

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