Shirley E. (Pooton) Woollacott – 98, of North Andover and formerly of North Reading for 47 years, died October 7, 2019 at Edgewood in North Andover. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert A. Woollacott.

Born on December 2, 1920 in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Archie and Rose (Nielson) Pooton.

Shirley was a graduate of Bay Ridge High School, Class of 1939 in Brooklyn, NY.  She studied two years in business at Pace Institute in Manhattan, NY. She was a secretary for the Irving Trust Company in New York and also worked part time in Melrose for Veteran’s Housing and Employment.

In 1943 she enlisted in the U.S. Navy and worked in the Office of Naval Intelligence in Washington, D.C. during World War II from 1943 to 1946. She achieved rank of Chief Yeoman.

Shirley was a devoted wife and loving mother with a great sense of humor. She was an active member for over 40 years with the Church of the Good Shepherd in Reading, she served on Vestry, as Sunday School instructor and feeding ministry and other capacities.

Shirley married Robert A. Woollacott on December 26, 1945 at the Christ Church in Brooklyn, NY. She enjoyed ballroom dancing, photography and playing Bridge.

Shirley was a former resident of North Reading for 47 years. She has been a resident of Edgewood in North Andover and a member of the Christ Church in Andover since 1997.

Family members include her loving sons, Robert Woollacott of Cheektowga, NY, Richard Woollacott and his wife Jacqui of North Smithfield, RI and Russell Woollacott of Merrimack, NH. Two grandchildren, Dawn Schregal (Chris) of Amherst, NY and Brad Woollacott (Lauren) of Buffalo, NY; also survived by 5 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 14 from 5 to 7 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Graveside services will be private. A reception will be held at the Edgewood Retirement Community, 575 Osgood Street, North Andover on Tuesday, October 15 from 1 to 3 PM.  Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Christ Church in Andover or to the Church of Good Shepard in Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com