Shirley passed away March 20, 2017 at Heritage Crossings Assisted Living in Jacksonville, FL. She lived most of her 88 years in the Coloma area before moving to Florida five years ago to live with her daughter Sherri and her husband Kevin.

Shirley is a decendant of Stephen Roger Gilson, co-founder of Coloma, MI. She graduated from Coloma High School in 1946 and went on to receive her Master's degree from Western Michigan University.  She was a teacher in the Watervliet and Coloma school systems for over 27 years and loved every minute of it.  Shirley continued her love of education by volunteering at the Dinsmore Elementary School once she moved to Florida.

Shirley and her husband Tom loved to travel and visited 28 countries and all 50 states.  She also loved music, dancing, reading and most of all being with her family.

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years Tom McCarthy, her parents Allen and Della Cutler, and her sister Mrs. Richard (Phyllis) Pearl.

She is survived by her children Mrs. Victoria (Tim) Woodward of Colville, WA, Mrs. Sherri (Kevin) Gregorius of Jacksonville, FL, and John (Carri) McCarthy of Coloma. Shirley was blessed with six grandchildren: Tamara (Karyle) Ollerton, Timothy (Julie) Woodward, Tina Woodward-Newcomer, John McCarthy, Lexi McCarthy and Cody McCarthy; six great grandchildren Samatha, Emily, and Levi Ollerton, Deora and Devin Woodward, and Victoria Newcomer; and several nieces and nephews.

Shirely was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt who will be deeply missed.

Friends may visit with Shirley's family Friday, March 24, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet were funeral services will be celebrated Saturday, March 25, at 12:00 PM.  Burial will follow in Coloma Cemetery.  Memorials may be made in Shirley's memory to Community Hospice.  You may leave a message for Shirley's family at hutchinsfuneral.com