Shirley A. Pero

Shirley A. Pero, age 85, of Worcester, passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Worcester, MA, she was the daughter of the late Steve and Eleni (Dine) Pero, and the sister of the late Perry and Louis Pero. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Diane Pero of Oakbrook, IL and Barbara Pero of Auburn, MA, and her nieces and nephews, Michelle Pero, Stephanie Pero Fournier, Ph.D. and her husband John, Steven Pero and his partner Heather Binienda, Alexis Pero and her husband Austin Burroughs, Arthur Pero and his wife Lauren. She also leaves behind her beloved great-nieces and nephews, David, Matthew, Charlie, Sophia, Ava, Mila, and Audrey, a wonderful extended family, and many dear friends.

Shirley graduated from Commerce High School in 1959 and was a Horace Mann Scholar at Chandler Street Junior High in 1956. She dedicated her career to Wyman-Gordon Company for 46 years, where she served as an executive assistant to the CEO and President. Even after retiring from her full-time role, she worked part-time for an additional 16 years on dedicated projects. Shirley was a devoted and active member of St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church community in Worcester. She sang in the church choir for most of her life, was an active member and past President of the Women’s Guild and generously volunteered as past Secretary of the church board, at church events and festivals, becoming a beloved fixture in the community. As a lifelong member of the Albanian American National Organization, Shirley rarely missed an annual convention or tournament and was always on the dance floor celebrating with everyone.

“Auntie Shirley” was deeply loved by her family and friends. She treasured spending time with her family, especially at the beach, where many of her fondest memories were made. Shirley will be remembered for her passion for taking pictures, leaving her loved ones with a lifetime of wonderful memories. Some of her fondest memories span from her childhood days at Revere Beach with her parents and brothers to joyful vacations with family and friends at Hampton Beach, Cape Cod, and Naples, Florida. Shirley never missed a birthday or special occasion, always eager to celebrate happy moments with her family and extended family and would always bring a tray of special cookies. An avid traveler from a young age, she found great joy in exploring new places. Some of her favorite destinations, which she visited multiple times, were Albania, Italy, Greece, and Hawaii.

Relatives and friends are invited to honor Shirley and pay their respects on Monday, August 31st at 10 am at St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury St., Worcester. The funeral service will follow at 11 am in the church. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Mary’s Endowment Fund, St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, Worcester, MA 01609.