Obituary of Shirley Anne Grace
Shirley was born on June 13, 1935, in Lynn, Massachusetts, the daughter of Charles L. Brackett and Mildred J. (Howland) Brackett, both of Lynn. She graduated from Lynn English High School in 1953 and later attended Salem State College as an adult, continuing her education after her children were grown.
She worked for NYNEX (now Verizon) in Boston, as a manager in the employee assistance program, dedicating many years to supporting individuals struggling with addiction. Her compassion, patience, and understanding touched countless lives, and she remained committed to this work until her retirement in 1995.
In Shirley’s later years, she moved to Glastonbury, CT to be close to her daughter, Michele. She loved abstract pencil drawing, bird watching, and most of all, fashion. Shirley approached every outing like a red-carpet event, carefully selecting her outfit, jewelry, and makeup. She also had a keen eye for thrift shopping—if there was a 90% off rack anywhere in town, she was already in line. Her bold personality and good sense of humor shone through in everything she did.
She was predeceased by her beloved son, Michael J. Doucette. She is survived by her loving, devoted daughter, Michele Doucette, and her husband, Philip Newbury, of Glastonbury, CT; her sisters, Sandra Phinney of Rindge, NH, and Carol Gaudreau of Lynn, MA; and her loving niece, Dawn Kipperman of Litchfield, NH; her nephews Christopher Gaudreau of North Andover, MA, and Joseph Gaudreau of Lynn, MA; their families, and many grand nieces and nephews, including Klay Kipler of Easthampton, MA, who was with her in her final moments. She is also survived by her lifelong friend and “BFF,” Ellen Markham of Medford, MA.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025 in Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Summer Street Saugus, MA. Burial will be at a later date. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a local animal shelter.
For online condolences or to upload memories, please visit www.mulryanfh.com
Shirley will be remembered for her compassion, creativity, and good sense of humor—and most of all for her love of life and impeccable sense of style. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her favorite color was purple and the family would love it represented as funeral attire if possible.