Shirley (Gavin) Franco

Shirley Ann (Gavin) Franco, 86, a lifelong resident of Worcester, affectionately known to her friends as Ann, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

A beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Shirley was born on August 10, 1938, one of ten children of Auston and Gertrude (Adams) Gavin. Raised in Worcester, Shirley married Gilbert John Franco and spent the next 58 years raising their family with faith, devotion and love in the Grafton Hill neighborhood of Worcester before Gilbert left her side on August 8, 2013. Shirley continued to guide her family as Matriarch in their home until recently.

Shirley is survived by her five devoted children, Margo Wood and her husband Jeffrey of Cherry Valley, Brenda Ghorashi and her husband Ali of Haverhill, Darlene Lawrence and her late husband Chet of Worcester, Rhonda Mohammadi and her husband Ramin of Oswego, NY, John Franco of Worcester: a sister, Dorothy (Gavin) Landry and her husband Richard and a brother Paul Gavin. She took great delight and comfort with her 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren who lovingly called her “Grammy”: nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to her parents and beloved Gilbert, four brothers, Donald, Daniel, William and James Gavin and three sisters, Kathleen Gavin, Tarese Basllici, and Barbara M. Schulman all predeceased her.

Shirley was known for her witty sense of humor and could always make you laugh. She enjoyed the simple life of family and friends and shared her greatest moments in life with her entire family surrounding her. Shirley also enjoyed music, soap operas, the holidays and family gatherings. She may no longer be with us, but the love she had, the love she gave and the lessons she taught will remain with us forever. We will miss her every day and are comforted knowing she will always be in our hearts and reunited with the love of her life, our dad.

A special thanks to the nurses, CNAs and staff of Knollwood Long term Care Center for the exceptional care and compassion they gave to our mother. God bless you all.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, at 10 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. A private burial next to Gilbert will be in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. There are no calling hours.