MARBLEHEAD – Shirley C. (Swords) Walker, age 79 years, wife of Richard F. Walker, passed peacefully at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on Monday afternoon, July 1, 2024.  Born in Newark, New Jersey, daughter of the late Frank "Bud" and Laurette (Rock )Swords.  Shirley was raised in Holyoke where she graduated high school in 1963.  Following high school, Shirley continued her education and graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Shirley started her career as a Social Worker with the State of Massachusetts in South Hadley, upon her graduation.  She continued her career with the Commonwealth, retiring as an executive with the central office in downtown Boston.

Shirley was politically involved and had enjoyed working on Governor Charlie Backer's second election campaign.  She had been a board member at Marina Bay in Quincy while in residence there.    Shirley and Richard enjoyed traveling and didn't wait till retirement.   They bought a timeshare in Bermuda and enjoyed many visits there as well as at other timeshare properties that were available.

Surviving her in addition to her husband is her cousin John Roch of Cornwall, Connecticut.  She was predeceased in addition to her parents by her cousin Francis and his wife Cathy Rock.

Shirley's visiting hours will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St, Salem on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.  Burial will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St, Danvers, MA  01923 or to the Bayada Home Health Care, 800 Cummings Center, Beverly, MA  01915.  For additional information or online guest book please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.