WORCESTER – Shirley L. (Brunzell) Johnson, 87, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 22, 2016, after a long battle with dementia. She leaves her husband Robert H. Johnson, with whom she celebrated 65 years of marriage on October 12. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Kloczkowski and her husband Daniel, of Sterling; three grandchildren, Adam Kloczkowski and his wife Maile, of Boston, Ashlee Hirst and her husband Trevor, of Holden, Benn Kloczkowski, of Sterling; three great-grandchildren, Kai Oliver Kloczkowski, Shea Violet and Vera Lake Hirst; her brother, Robert Brunzell, as well as several nieces and nephews to whom she was affectionately known as “Auntie Bunny”.
Shirley is predeceased by her son Kenneth F. Johnson, and two sisters, Elsie Soderberg and Barbara Melick.
She was born in Barre Plains, MA, the daughter of Alex and Elsie (Ingle) Brunzell. She was a 1947 graduate of Commerce High School and was a member of the Worcester Skating Club during her youth. Shirley and her husband worked alongside each other for many years at Grant Insurance Agency, Inc. She also ran the Holden Little League snack bar and was an active member of the former St. John’s Episcopal Church, where she served on the altar guild for many years. She loved delivering flowers to members of the congregation.
Shirley was very devoted to spending time with her family. She loved watching her grandchildren grow and was always there to support and cheer them on during their many games, school events, and activities. When she became blessed with three great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “MoMo”, it brought her so much joy to be such an important part of their lives as well.
For Shirley, the most important things in life were all the simple pleasures. She was a wonderful cook, and you could almost always find her in the kitchen, whipping up something delicious. She loved preparing family dinners, and loved hosting holiday celebrations. When she wasn’t in the kitchen, she was on the hunt for a good sale! She loved to shop.
Shirley’s family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Dodge Park Rest Home for all their care and compassion over the past year and a half.
There will be no calling hours. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Shirley’s life during her funeral service on Thursday, October 27, at 11 AM at St. Michael’s on the Heights Church, 340 Burncoat St., Worcester. Her burial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, Shirley’s family asks that a donation be made to a charity of importance to you. All arrangements are being made by Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester.
Funeral Home
Athy Memorial Home
111 Lancaster St
Worcester, MA 01609
(508) 756-4689
Published in Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Oct. 24 to Oct. 25, 2016
via telegram.com
