Shirley J. Thayer

Our beloved mom and nana, Shirley J. Thayer, 92, of 6 Cook Terrace, died Sunday, March 5, 2018, after a brief illness. She passed in the presence of her son and daughter-in-law at Madison House Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter H. Thayer, in 1990.

Mrs. Thayer was born in New Haven, CT., October 22, 1924, and lived in Clinton before moving to Westbrook where she lived for the past 45 years. She was a well-liked and well known face at Food Bag in Old Saybrook for many years on the 3pm to midnight shift who always treated her customers as friends. She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed crocheting thoughtful gifts for her family, taking care of her cat, playing bingo, reading books, watching crime dramas and game shows, and reading the Sunday paper.

She leaves a loving son and daughter-in-law, John and Brenda Thayer of Clinton, a daughter Elizabeth Gurgigno of Davenport, FL; 6 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and 9 great great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be on Friday, March 10, from 5 - 7 pm at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook, CT. A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 11, at 11 a.m. at the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries, P.O. Box 804, Essex, CT 06426.