Shirely (Sahagian) Barrus

ORANGE- Shirley Barrus, 78, of Orange passed away on February 12, 2023 at the Athol Memorial Hospital with her family and Pastor at her side.

Shirley was born May 12, 1944, the youngest of six children born to Samuel Sahagian Sr. and Josephine (Ferrari) Sahagian. Shirley lived her entire life in Orange, graduating from Ralph C. Mahar Regional School in 1962.

She started working at the Simplex Time Recorder in Gardner, MA. A few years later, Shirley went to work at the Athol High School Principal’s Office. After many years there, she worked in the Guidance Office at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School and remained there until her retirement. Following retirement, she worked as a substitute Paraprofessional for the Athol Elementary system.

Shirley enjoyed doing crafts and set up at many craft fairs over the years. Shirley was a member of the Royal Rubies- Red Hats and enjoyed going to all their events and activities and was a good friend to each member of the group.

Before her marriage, Shirley enjoyed many trips including a two week trip to Italy and a cruise to Bermuda. After her marriage, she and her husband Bob had many good times on Summer trips to Ogunquit, ME, a trip to Georgia to visit their friend Gordon Johnson, and a special week-long trip to New York City to attend a movie convention. She and Bob also enjoyed Fall foliage rides through the small towns in Massachusetts and just spending time in their home with family and friends who looked forward to the many birthday, Halloween, Christmas, and Trivial Pursuit parties they hosted.

Shirley was very active member of the Orange United Methodist Church and her church family meant a lot to her. She always enjoyed working on church events, especially their Fall Fair.

Shirley leaves her husband of 52 years, Robert Barrus; a brother, Samuel Sahagian Jr. of Westford; sisters, Lois Morris of North Carolina, Judy Powling and her husband, Gerald, of Orange, and Joanne Sahagian of Athol; and sister in law, Clovine Sahagian formerly of Athol. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, two great great nephews, many cousins and a special aunt, Nellie Madden of Amherst, MA.

She was predeceased by her parents, a brother Arthur Sahagian, sister in law Mary Sahagian of Westford, brother in law Bill Morris of North Carolina, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was also predeceased by her mother and father in law Emily and Joe Barrus, brothers in law, Richard Barrus and his wife Helen, Joe Barrus and wife Georgianna, and sister in law Joan (Barrus) Poole and her husband David.

Graveside services for Shirley will be held on February 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at South Cemetery, 585 South Main Street, Orange, MA, followed by a friendship gathering at the Orange United Methodist Church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s name to the Orange United Methodist Church, 104 South Main Street, Orange, MA 01364.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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