Shirley H Halvarson, 90, formerly of Cranston and East Greenwich area, passed away after a brief illness on January 21, 2021 after enjoying a splendid life with family and friends.
Born in Westerly, she was the daughter of the late Earl F Bitgood and Ida (Smith) Bitgood. Shirley graduated from Warwick's Aldrich High School in 1947. Through the years, she enthusiastically participated in, and helped organize many class reunions. Though her main occupation was homemaker and mother of six children, through the years, Shirley was also an employee of the Providence Gas Company, Kent Hospital and the RI Blood Center. Always active, she has also been involved, supported and participated in numerous organizations. She was a devoted communicant of Pawtuxet’s Trinity Church for more than 70 years, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School classes, and enjoying her work with the steering committee and altar guild. She was also a lay reader for the Diocese of Rhode Island. Shirley sang with Rhode Island Sound, an all women’s barbershop choir. She also held many positions with VASA Order of America, Pioneer Lodge and Eastern Star/Rainbow. She was a dedicated volunteer at St. Elizabeth’s Community in East Greenwich for many years.
In her final years, she lived at Capitol Ridge Senior Community of Providence, bringing her positive spirit and infectious smile to many of the enriching activities offered there. Her family sends their utmost gratitude to all Capitol Ridge staff members for their care and compassion, especially during these last challenging 10 months when they could not be there.
She is survived by her family: daughter, Shery Cirelli, her daughter Holly Halvarson and her husband Jim, her son Axel Jr and his wife Carolyn, her daughter Candy Turner and her husband Joe, her son Craig and his wife Susan Jean and her son Glenn and his wife Susan Ann. She leaves 17 loving grandchildren and seven loving great-grand children. She leaves behind her sister, Barbara Rainey and her husband Richard, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Axel H Halvarson Sr. and step-children: Marilyn (Halvarson) Simko and Steven Halvarson.
Final arrangements will be private.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
