Shirley A. (Hjorth) Hayward

Shirley A. (Hjorth) Hayward, a lifelong Worcester resident, passed away peacefully in her home on October 22, 2023, at the age of 94.

She was born in Worcester, on April 23, 1929, the daughter of Axel Herbert and Melina (LeBlanc) Hjorth. Shirley attended South High School and went on to receive an associate’s degree from Boston University. She married Philip L. Hayward on May 10, 1952. Shirley and Phil spent many wonderful years together until his passing on February 20, 1992.

Shirley is survived by her son, Mark P. Hayward (Scott Williams) of Los Angeles, California; a daughter, Lesley H. Furrie (Michael) of Durham, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Melissa F. Schwarting (Daniel) of Cary, North Carolina, Kristin M. Furrie of Washington, D.C., and Matthew H. Furrie (Sanna Mahmood) of Manhattan Beach, California; three great-grandsons Colin, Alex and Evan Schwarting.

Shirley was a creative spirit who often shared her love of music, writing, art and dance with those in her company. Her passion for music began at the age of 3, when she took her first piano lessons – a hobby that would continue throughout her life.

She took pride in her work in customer service at Freedom Federal Bank, where she was employed for a number of years.

Some of Shirley’s happiest moments were spent surrounded by family and friends. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed entertaining in her home, especially during the holidays.

Shirley also cherished spending summers in her beloved Cape Cod. She was fond of taking walks on the beach and playing card games and Scrabble on her porch.

In addition to her family, she had many treasured friendships throughout her life. She considered her life-long dear friend, Peggy Conlin, the sister she never had. After the passing of their husbands, she and Betty McDonough jokingly referred to themselves as “Thelma and Louise,” as they took pleasure in traveling and exploring together – most often to the beaches in Harwich Port, MA or Delray, FL.

Services for Shirley will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales St., Worcester. The family will greet friends a half hour before the Mass begins. A burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The World Central Kitchen, www.wck.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley A. (Hjorth) Hayward, please visit our floral store.