Shirley R. Wright

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend Shirley (Metcalfe) Wright, 96, passed away peacefully on February 2. She was born May 14, 1927 to Frederick and Emma (Scott) Metcalfe in Springfield. Shirley graduated from Commerce High School in 1944 where she was Co-Editor of the school’s yearbook. After graduation, she worked at the Fire and Moving Insurance Company, then secretary to the former manager of Steiger’s Home Appliance Division. She married Crane Wright in 1947. They raised their 3 children in 16 Acres for many years where she was active in Foster Memorial Church of Deaconess, President of the former Chimney Corner Group, and with her husband, led the Junior and Senior High Youth Fellowship Groups. Later, she was on the Historical Council and helped write the history 1970-2006 Book of Foster Church. She also enjoyed and was very well-known for baking for the after-church Coffee Hour. Crane’s job took them to Hamden, CT in 1965 where she joined the Women’s Golfing League and when her children were older, worked at various places: United Nuclear Corp, Yale New Haven Hospital, and retired from Amtrak after 17 years’ service in several different departments. Shirley enjoyed golf, Bridge, and most recently Canasta at The Wellington with friends, and baking- always trying new things. Her family will always remember her holiday dinners filled with delicious food and infectious laughter. Her cheerful smile, wit, and sense of humor will be missed. Cape Cod was one of her favorite vacation spots, but she especially loved just being with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren whom she adored and of whom she was so proud. Shirley and Crane moved back to Enfield to be nearer to their family in 1995, and after Crane’s death in 1996, she volunteered at Baystate Medical for 6 years and became a member of P.E.O., now Chapter O.S. Shirley was predeceased by her husband Crane Wright; beloved daughter Deborah Gariepy; and brothers Frederick and William Metcalfe. She will be deeply missed by her loving son Steven Wright and his wife Karen of Hampden, and daughter Lori and her husband Brian Morin Sr. of Leominster; grandchildren Lindsey Christensen and her husband Thomas, Andrew Wright, Allison Scharf, Brian Morin Jr. and his wife Emily, and Kacey Morin and her boyfriend Akhiel, and great-grandchildren Owen and Morgan Christensen and Jack, Charlie, and Olivia Morin. A Memorial Visitation is scheduled for Saturday from 9-10:45 am at WILBRAHAM FUNERAL HOME 2551 Boston Road, Wilbraham, followed by an 11:30 am Funeral Service at Foster Memorial Church, 1791 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to Foster Memorial Church, fostermemorial.org.