Shirley (Montigny) Kwiatkowski

Shirley Kwiatkowski of Milton, DE, formerly of Towson, MD, Cheshire, CT and Southbridge, MA, passed away on December 31, 2022 at the age of 88.

Shirley was born on September 18, 1934 in Southbridge, MA to Ernestine and Armand Montigny. She graduated from Mary E. Wells High School and married her high school sweetheart Anthony Kwiatkowski in 1953. Legend has it that Tony told her in elementary school that he was going to marry her. Their romance lasted 41 years until Tony died of cancer at age 60.  Shirley remained a widow for 28 years.

Shirley and Tony moved from MA to CT and DE, raising 5 children in the process. Shirley was employed by and retired from the University of Delaware, where she worked in Accounts Receivable. Aside from being a devoted follower of Christ, master bridge player, and avid book reader, she enjoyed travelling to visit her children who at various times were spread out in the country and abroad. She was known for her homemade linguini and clams and pizza, and she lived with her family until only her last few weeks.  

Shirley was predeceased by her father and mother, her husband, her sister Joan Capillo, and her son-in-law Robert Rohr. She is survived by her daughters Debra and Ellen (husband Eric), her sons Steven (wife Lily), James, and Matthew (wife Wendy); her 16 grandchildren Elizabeth (husband Scott), Lindsay, Nathan, Benjamin (wife Debbie), Antoni, Sara (husband Rush), Jennifer, Rita (husband Alex), Seth, Alex, Simon, Casey, AJ, Wyatt, Tessa and Maggie; and her 5 great-grandchildren Olivia, Lucas, Emory, Isla and Finley; and 10 nieces and nephews.  

A “Celebration of Life & Memorial Service” will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 2-3 p.m., preceded by visitation of family, at the Crossroad Community Church, 20684 State Forest Rd. Georgetown, DE. Flowers can be sent there. Shirley will be buried beside her husband Tony at 11:00 am on January 16th in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Southbridge, MA.

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