Nancy Shirling

HAVERHILL - Nancy J. Shirling, age 69 of Haverhill, MA beloved mother of Lindsey Reed of Norwood, MA, her fiance Tony Lewis and their family Dylan Zalanskas and Jason Sorey, passed away on November 28, 2023 at 11:40 p.m. after a lengthy battle with complications from Pancreatic Cancer. She passed peacefully at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston surrounded by her loving family.

Nancy was a lifelong resident of Haverhill who graduated from Haverhill High School in 1972. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Springfield College. Nancy had a long and successful career as a Probation Officer and was appointed to Newburyport District Court.

Nancy loved soaking up the sun, lobster,beach pizza and of course her Diet Pepsi. She treasured time spent with her best friend and cousin Neen. She enjoyed many trips to Florida visiting her family. Nancy was a parishioner of St. James Parish and her faith carried her through some very difficult times.

Nancy was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer a few years ago, and courageously endured many painful surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Her daughter Lindsey and her sister Patty spent many days by her side traveling back and forth to Dana Farber for appointments and treatments. She would eventually move to Norwood, MA, to live with her daughter Lindsey Reed and her family; where she would spend the remainder of her life being loved and cared for.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents Patricia and Hollis Shirling and long time partner Melvin Reed. She is survived by her sister Patricia Gleason and her husband Scott Gleason of Haverhill, brother Jack Shirling and his wife Sheryl of Land O Lakes, Florida and her youngest brother Chris Shirling of Salisbury, MA. She also leaves behind step-children Terri Geary and husband Robert Geary, Kim Reed, Melvin Reed and wife Lisa Reed and Francis Reed and his wife Andrea Reed. She was the cherished Aunt to Bob Shirling and fiance Tricia Prashad, Sydney Chory and her husband Michael Chory, Katelyn Boggs and Kallie Shirling. She was the great Aunt of Beckett Boggs, Harper Boggs and Rowan Boggs. Cherished “Grampy Nancy” to Stephen Cottens, wife Riley Cottens and Calvin Cottens, Reed Cottens, Robert Geary, wife.Teresa Geary and Adeline Geary, Lauren Murphy and husband Mack Murphy, Christopher Geary, Taylor Reed, Haley Reed, Caeli Reed and Cameron Reed. Nancy also leaves her best friend and cousin Maureen Menzie. Nancy is also survived by many cousins and friends.

Lindsey and Tony would like to thank Auntie Patti, Kishan Joseph, and Neen for their unwavering support during Nancy’s final days. Lindsey would also like to acknowledge Terri and Lloyd Weida for their support and compassion for Nancy and family during this difficult time. Lindsey and Tony would like to thank Dylan and Jason for their unwavering support, care, understanding, compassion and love during the last few difficult years. Additionally, Lindsey and Tony would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and Hospice Team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for their attentive and compassionate care.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 2, in St. James Church, 185 Winter Street, Haverhill at 10:00 AM. Arrangements by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com 

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