Shirley L. Hissem

West Brookfield / Richmond -Shirley Lorraine Hissem, age 94, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on October 25, 1931, to Georgie McPhee Curtis. At the age of four, Shirley was placed on a trolley with her siblings and brought to the House of the Angel Guardian in Roxbury, Massachusetts. She spent the remainder of her childhood in foster care—an experience that shaped the strength, resilience, and perseverance that defined her life.

Shirley was married to Merle Walton Hissem, who passed away in 1974. In 1966 she purchased her home, one of the most meaningful achievements of her life. She worked long hours and often held two jobs to provide a stable and secure home for her children - something she had longed for in her own childhood. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were deeply important to her and remained a constant presence in her heart throughout her life.

For her children - Debra, David, Catherine, and William - Shirley remained a steady and guiding presence whose strength and love shaped the family she built.

For most of her working life, Shirley cared for others as a home health care worker, a role she took great pride in. She believed deeply in treating those in her care with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Shirley was proud of her Irish heritage and treasured the friendships and family relationships that enriched her life.

She is survived by her children David (Deb), Catherine (Robert), and William; her son-in-law Earl LaPensee; and her special niece Kimberly Pronto-Chisholm.

She was a proud grandmother to Angela, Heather, Ashley (Joseph), Michael (Emily), and John (Joleigh), and a loving great-grandmother to Snake, William, Charlie, and Thomas.

She was predeceased by her daughter Debra LaPensee and by her siblings Lila, Marcy, Joy, Joan, Larry, and David.

Shirley measured her life not by wealth or recognition, but by perseverance, kindness, and the love she gave to others.

A visiting hour will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10 to 11AM in the First Congregational Church of West Brookfield, followed by a celebration of life at 11AM. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Abby’s House, 52 High Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609, which provides housing and support for homeless and battered women and their children, or online at https://abbyshouse.org

Varnum Funeral Home, 43 East Main St. in West Brookfield is honored to serve Shirley’s family with her care and arrangements. An online tribute page is available at varnumfuneralhome.com