Shirley Jean Pelkey, 87, of Holliston, passed away in her home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Born and raised in Malone, New York, she was the daughter of the late Loretta (Hingston) and Edward Shaw. She was the wife of 39 years to the late Robert Pelkey.
Shirley was a devoted member of Saint Mary’s Church in Holliston. She was an active member of the church’s Women’s Guild and remained devoted to her parish throughout her life. She was also a member of the Holliston Historical Society and frequently volunteered at their community events. Shirley worked for more than 30 years in the jewelry department at Sears in Natick. While there, she formed lasting friendships that transitioned into weekly meetups where they shared coffee and sisterhood. She enjoyed travel, quilting, nature, music, animals, and puzzles. Most of all, she treasured spending time with her family.
Shirley is survived by her children: Kathleen Bauer and her husband Edward, Michael Pelkey and his wife Diane, Brian Pelkey, and Shannon Sturtevant and her husband Richard. She was also Nana to 12 grandchildren and GG to 6 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her daughter, Patricia Burns, and sister, Marilyn Gibbs.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 3rd from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 4th at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church of Holliston. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/, or to a humanitarian organization you hold dear.
