Shirley Ann (Davis) Novak

Shirley Ann (Davis) Novak, 80, of Methuen passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 14, 2020 with her loving family by her side.  Born and raised in Nantucket, MA, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Theresa (King) Davis.  Shirley graduated high school in 1956 where she was an avid basketball player, cheerleader, and was also crowned Homecoming Queen. She was employed by the Nantucket and Barnstable Registry of Deeds and later by Raytheon in Andover.  On January 14, 1958 Shirley met Ray in Nantucket while he was stationed in the Coast Guard.  They married in 1960 and moved to Methuen to raise their family. Shirley’s most important and cherished role was that of a homemaker, wife, mother, and grandmother.  She also taught at the Methuen Community Kindergarten where she brought much joy to all her students. Shirley was a great cook and enjoyed hosting family gatherings and holidays; each meal and dessert prepared with love and perfection! She had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. She loved spending time with her family and was affectionately known as “Shirl the Pearl” and “Nana Banana”. Hobbies included ceramics, playing 45s, decorating, and playing games with her grandchildren. She loved to dance and in her early days dreamed of being a Rockette.  Shirley was proud to be a Nantucket Native and loved the ocean, finding peace and comfort in the sound of the wind and waves.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Raymond Novak, 3 daughters: Judith Donahue and her husband William (Bill) of West Newbury, Linda Perry of Methuen, Sandra Comerford and her husband Jamie of Methuen, 7 grandchildren: Christopher, Jacqueline, Kayla, Matthew, Sean, Alexandra and Nicholas.  Her brother Elmer Davis and his wife Eleanor of Panama City, Florida, sister Margaret Duarte of Tucson, Arizona and brother-in-law Ronald McDonald of Fairhaven, MA and many nieces and nephews.  Shirley was predeceased by brothers Edward and Robert Davis and sister Joan McDonald.

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Monday, January 20, 2020 from 4 to 7 pm at the Dewhirst & Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. A Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday January 21, 2020 at 10:00 am in St. Theresa Church, 22 Plymouth St., Methuen, MA.  Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen.  To leave an online condolence, please visit Shirley’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com. 

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