Shirley Whitney, 89

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — It is with great respect and love we let everyone know our mother Shirley Frances Dubreuil Whitney has left with "baby Jesus" on Saturday Jan. 9, 2021. 

She was mother to Bruce Whitney, Marie Kelly-Whitney, Leanne & Robert Briggs. Devoted Memere to her five grandchildren Amanda Chapman, Emma & Julia Whitney, David, and Jonah Kelly-Whitney. Gigi to her two great-grandsons Alexander and Maximus Boudreau.

Shirley was born on Feb. 10, 1931, to Marie Lozo Dubreuil and Leo Dubreuil in North Adams, where they raised her and her seven siblings. She attended the former Notre Dame Parochial School and graduated from Drury High School in 1950.

In her younger years, Shirley worked at the Mohawk Theater and as a telephone operator on Bank Street. Her final professional career came as a dental assistant for Dr. Krizack and Dr. Nathaniel Greene until 1989.

She married the late Dewey Dexter Whitney of Stamford, Vt., on Jan. 19, 1951. They moved to Texas for a short period so her husband could serve in the Army at Fort Hood. During those years, she worked in the officer's club to earn extra income for their family.

Shirley's greatest accomplishment was having a loving family. From the beginning, she wanted to adopt her children. Along with the financial assurance of her father-in-law, Ira D. Whitney, and Mrs. Helen Riley, an adoption agent, they were able to adopt and love three children. These children grew up to be well-educated adults, who could lean on their mom for help with raising their own children. 

Memere to her grandchildren, Shirley happily volunteered to baby-sit, car-pool, feed, and smother them with her relentless love. In the past few years, she was able to meet and love her great-grandchildren and taught them to say good-bye with the phrase, "Au revoir."

Outside of her family, Shirley's interests were being an expert bridge player, having coffee with her beloved friends, and enjoying weekly outings. She started playing in the Hospital League in the 1960s, then became a regular at Harper Center, Spitzer Center, and Duplicate Bridge at the former Williams Inn.

During Shirley's last few weeks, the family had the constant support from the wonderful HospiceCare of the Berkshires and Elder Services staff. 

FUNERAL NOTICE: There will be no calling hours. A private family burial at the Dubreuil family lot in Southview Cemetery will happen later this spring. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.