Shirley Lee Atwell

Shirley Atwell of Framingham, MA, passed unexpectedly on Friday, July 14, 2023, after a brief illness. Shirley was born in Framingham on February 2nd, 1942, a youthful 81 years old at the time of her passing.

The daughter of Carlton W. Griffin and Francis (Hilmes) Griffin, Shirley attended the Framingham Public Schools and graduated from Endicott College in Beverly, MA in 1962. Shirley enjoyed years of employment as the Front Desk Administrator at the Wexler Chiropractic Wellness Center. She was a proud and devoted participant in the Framingham Heart Study for over 51 years. Shirley was deeply active in the Framingham community, a member of the Elks, the Eagles, and the Columbus Clubs. She was also a 30-year member of the Framingham Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.

A wonderfully unique individual, Shirley loved sunflowers with many in the community recognizing Shirley as The Lady with the Sunflower House as generations of sunflowers would grow naturally year after year around her yard and as many as 100 in bloom annually along the road in front of her well-kept home.

Shirley is survived by her brother Carl and wife Joan, nieces Kimberly, Jennifer and nephew Gregory, two grateful and loving sons, Paul and Michael, Michael’s wife Lee, as well as two granddaughters, Candice and Madison, and great-granddaughter, Harlow.

A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at The Columbus Club, 11 Fountain St. Framingham MA 01702 on Saturday, August 12th, beginning at 1:00 PM. A formal Remembrance will begin at 1:30 PM. Collation to follow at 2:30 PM and remain open through 5:00 PM for those who wish to gather, celebrate, and share fond memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Shirley’s name to The Framingham Heart Study, for which she was a compelling advocate. www.framinghamheartstudy.org or by mail to: Friends of Framingham Heart Study 73 Mt Wayne Avenue, Suite 2, Framingham MA 01702.