Shirley E. (Simpson) Wilkins

Shirley E. (Simpson) Wilkins, age 83 of Maynard, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving wife of the late Charles S. "Charlie" Wilkins.

Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on August 5, 1937, she was the daughter of George Fowler and Mary Ida (Moore) Simpson. Shirley was raised in the Winter Hill neighborhood of Somerville, graduating from Somerville High School, class of 1955. Some of her fondest memories include her happy childhood growing up on Derby Street, her teen years at Broadway Methodist Church being a part of MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) and singing in the choir. She worked as an administrative secretary at John Hancock after graduation, was Charlie's bookkeeper, and later worked as a Medical Records Clerk for Acton Medical Associates for 25+ years.


Charlie and Shirley married on June 1, 1963 and settled in Maynard to raise their family. She enjoyed living on Sunset Road, where she and Charlie cherished many neighborhood parties fostering many life-long friendships. Faith was paramount in Shirley's life. In earlier years, she was a member of the United Methodist church in Maynard where she was involved in bible study groups, Sunday school for the children, and proudly sang in the choir. She, "experienced perfect unity… during the praise and worship services when Abiot was pastor," and continued to "keep the word" in her morning devotions. Most recently, she was a member of the Weston United Methodist church.


Family was most important to Shirley. She loved hosting family events at her home, enjoying time with her children and brothers and sisters, where singing, laughter, and love were always present. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, she was always there with open arms for a hug, movies at the ready, puzzles on the dining room table, and a snack drawer (intentionally placed where little hands could reach) filled with cookies, chips, and potato sticks. Shirley enjoyed playing board games, completing puzzles and the occasional nerf war. She had a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh, a calm confidence, and so much love for all who needed it.

Shirley is survived by her children, Charles S. Wilkins Jr. of Lincoln, ME; Cheryl D. and husband Jim Sharp of Plant City, FL; Timothy S. and wife Colleen Wilkins of Lunenburg, MA; her cherished grandchildren, Brenna, Brooke, Ashley, Levi and Sayler; her siblings, Marjorie "Sis" Ronaghan of Weymouth, MA; Barbara Hudson of Dracut, MA; Linda and her husband Jack Ritchie of Amesbury, MA; as well as many nieces and nephews; and her granddogs. Shirley was predeceased by her brothers Robert "Bob" Simpson and George "Buddy" Simpson.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Shirley on Monday, August 17, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home, 42 Concord Street, Maynard. Her graveside service will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 in Glenwood Cemetery 260 Great Road, Maynard MA 01754.

In Lieu of Flowers gifts in her memory may be made to Nashoba Nursing Service & Hospice, 3 Patterson Rd #3, Shirley MA 01464.