Shirley Ann (Stover) Calder

Shirley Ann Calder, 90, wife of the late James S. Calder, died Thursday, February 19, 2026, after a series of illnesses.  She was born in Hartford, Connecticut and graduated from Wellesley High School in 1953 where she was active as a majorette, basketball player and violinist in the band. Shirley and Jim were married in 1954 and settled in Natick where they raised four children James, Steven, Cheryl and Sara.  She worked in the Natick Public School System as an Assistant Librarian.  The family camped and boated down the Cape and eventually Jim and Shirley bought a second home in Wareham.  After retiring they resettled in Merritt Island, Florida.  Jim and Shirley moved to Ipswich in 2010 to be near family.  Regardless to where Shirley lived, she loved to swim and enjoyed teaching children to swim.  Jim and Shirley were always surrounded by family and friends especially during holidays.

Shirley had four children including her son, Jim and his wife Holly of Fitchburg, grandson Matthew and his wife, Akari, of California and great-grandchildren, Karin and Senan; granddaughter Katherine Mitchell and her husband, Michael of New York, great-grandchildren Joey and Madelyn Mitchell; and grandson Michael Calder of Fitchburg.  Her son, Steven Calder and his wife, Diane Kelley of Ipswich.  And her daughter, Sara Sturgill from Oregon and grandson, Casey.  Her daughter, Cheryl predeceased Shirley in 1983.  Additionally, her sister, Sara (Sally) Collette, recently predeceased Shirley and her nephew, Jean Paul (JP) Collette of Providence. Her brother, Walter Stover predeceased Shirley in 1986.

Funeral Service in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street Natick Common on Friday February 27th at 11:30am.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment St. Patrick Cemetery, Natick.  Visiting Hours on Thursday February 26th from 3-6pm in the funeral home

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital at Donate | St. Judes Children's Research Hospital or the Alzheimer Association at Donate | Alzheimer's Association.  For directions and guest book please visit www.everettfuneral.com

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