Shirley J. Wright

Shirley J. Wright of Rehoboth, Massachusetts passed away at home on Sunday October 9, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.


Daughter of Agnes and Joseph Wright of Bordentown, New Jersey, she is survived by her beloved wife, Robin Rose, sisters-in-laws, Wendy Rose Sanchez and Charity Rose, nieces Becca Neindorff, Margaret Hageman, Sara Gardner, Mary Alice Mohn and Gabriela Romero Rose, nephews Stephen Neindorff, Harry Sanders, Ben Rose, Thomas Rose, Gabe Sanchez, Bobby Sanchez, and Julian Romero Rose. She is also survived by her loving brothers-in-laws, Richard Neindorff and Martin Sanchez and was pre-deceased by one additional brother-in-law, Charles David Rose. In her life, illness and death Shirley and her wife Robin were supported by many family members and a community of devoted and loving friends who are their extended family.


Shirley was educated at Bordentown New Jersey High School, The College of Wooster, Northwestern University, and the University of Connecticut. She valued education and as a financial aid officer at UConn, Wheaton College and Brown University she was dedicated to making educational opportunities accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. After retiring as Associate Director of Financial Aid at Brown University, she worked for several years as the Scholarship Director at the College Crusade in Providence. Her passion for educational equity was palpable and through her work she helped transform the lives of countless students.

For the past eight years, she participated in the Grace Notes Singers group which sings for the terminally ill. She loved the women who sang and the compassionate work of the group. She served as treasurer and as a member of the steering committee.

Shirley was an avid reader who devoured three newspapers a day and countless books on a monthly basis. She cherished vibrant and thoughtful conversations about complex issues of social justice and politics. She loved canoeing and camping with friends, snorkeling, travel, walking the family pets and appreciating the natural world. She was a highly educated environmentalist and treasured her time in the woods, on rivers, in the mountains or in the presence of old growth forests. The natural world was her sacred space.

Shirley was committed to addressing issues of social justice and to making a positive difference in the world. She did so through her philanthropy, her service, and her daily interactions with others. Her generous spirit, compassion and ability to be truly present to others was a gift to many. The most appropriate way to honor her is by sharing your resources with organizations of your choosing or with: Save the Bay Rhode Island, Save the Bay Dr. Providence, RI 02905 or The Rhode Island Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Ave., Providence, RI 02907.


A Celebration of Life service will be held in her honor on Monday, October 17th at 3:00 at Five Bridge Inn, 152 Pine St. Rehoboth. A reception will follow.

Unless it is raining, we will be outside. Please wear warm and casual clothes.