Montague- Shirley M. (Rice) Morawski, 91, of Montague, formerly of Greenfield, died peacefully at home with loved ones, on Sunday 3/5/17.  She was born on March 13, 1925 in Keene, NH, the daughter of Arthur R. and Edna (Pitchford) Rice.  Shirley attended local schools in Keene before moving to Greenfield in 1940 with her family.  She graduated from Greenfield High School in 1943 and continued her education at Cooley Dickinson Hospital School of Nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse upon graduation in 1946. 

Shirley worked for several years as a Registered Nurse at Franklin County Public Hospital, Vermont Yankee and as a private duty nurse. She was secretary and co-owner with her husband, Red, of Mohawk Office Equipment Company, retiring in 1987.

Shirley was an honorary life member of the Greenfield Emblem Club, where she served as President for four years locally and as a state officer for six years. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Greenfield for over sixty years where she served as a deaconess.  Following dissolution of the First Baptist Church she was a member of the First Congregational Church in Montague until her passing.

Shirley and Red enjoyed dancing together at The Elks and Moose Lodges, and took Disco dance lessons in the 70’s. In years past, she kept busy with golf in the summer and bowling in the winter. She enjoyed watching her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, knitting, reading and charity work. In her later years she enjoyed taking pottery classes with her daughter, Pam. She was also a big fan of the Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics.

Among her survivors, Shirley leaves a daughter, Pamela J. Morawski and her husband Michael Brule of Montague; and their children Cathleen Darling and Nicholas Brule. She also leaves two sons, E. John Morawski, Jr. of Londonderry, VT and his daughters, Ginger Morawski and Kiana Avlon, and James M. Morawski of Fairbanks, AK; and his sons McLain and Tyson Morawski. She also leaves behind three great grandchildren, Samantha Young and Bruin and Briar Morawski; and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Edward “Red” J. Morawski, on May 13, 2009; a son, William A. Morawski ; a grandson, Randy Darling; a brother, Thomas Rice; and a sister, Judith Clish.

A calling hour will be held Monday, 3/13 from 10am with a memorial service to follow at 11am at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield.  Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers and memorial contributions, please go enjoy some time with a friend or a loved one.

Sympathy message available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.

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