Shirley M. (Friel) Ahlquist, 85, passed away Friday, August 2, 2013, at home, surrounded by her loving family.
     She leaves her husband of 64 years, Harold E. Ahlquist, Jr.; a daughter, Gail I. Rajala and her husband David of Boylston; a son, Stephen E. Ahlquist and his wife Colleen of Northborough. She is also survived by three granddaughters, Jennifer, Kristin and Caitlin Rajala and two grandsons, Jason and Justin Ahlquist.
     Shirley was born in Worcester, daughter of Joseph and Vera (Hartwell) Friel. She was committed to serving the Worcester community through her extensive volunteer work. She was a lifetime member of the Guild of Our Lady of Providence, a member of the Mechanics Hall Music Guild, the Worcester Women’s Club, and volunteered at Assumption College, Hahnemann Hospital, the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, and the Worcester Science Center.
     Shirley was a former member of the Worcester Country Club and belonged to a number of bowling leagues. She enjoyed the outdoors and passionately loved being by the ocean, but spending time with her family was always her first priority. She will be dearly missed by her husband, children, and grandchildren.
     Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, August 7 from 5-7 pm at FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 1 West Boylston Street, West Boylston.
     Shirley’s Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 8 at 12:00 pm at St. Mary of the Hills Church, 630 Cross Street, Boylston. Burial in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton will be private.
     In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to Notre Dame Hospice, 557 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605.