Shirley Inell DeLoach

Shirley Inell DeLoach, was born in Boston on May 20, 1959, to the late Shirley Houston and Columbus DeLoach Jr. She was also predeceased by her devoted stepfather, Irving Houston and stepsister, April. She will be remembered and cherished forever by her loving sons Albert Ragster (Maura) and Tyler Deloach and her grandchildren Kaela, Brian, Ariyah, Victoria, Ava, and Mason. She passed away peacefully on November 7, 2023, after a brave bout with cancer.

Irving and Shirley Houston raised Shirley in Newton, Massachusetts where she attended and graduated from Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. As a child and adolescent, she enjoyed field hockey, painting and riding her bike with her family and friends. In elementary school, her cousin, Lauren, moved in with her family and the two grew up like sisters creating a lifelong bond.

Shirley spent over thirty years employed at Harvard Vanguard and Massachusetts General Hospital. She enjoyed her work, which gave her plenty of opportunities to be of service. She had a charitable and giving spirit and she often helped the homeless in Boston by giving them food and warm clothes.

Shirley had a kind soul. She was a woman of grace and beauty. Her laugh was both beautiful and contagious. She was a devoted daughter who spent many years taking care of her parents until their passing. Not only was she selfless but also smart, witty, and resilient. Even after her bleak diagnosis she lived life to its fullest attending her grandchildren’s games, taking trips to the beach, and visiting with family and friends. She enjoyed shopping for her grandchildren, cooking, music and watching old shows. She spent a lot of her time with Tyler’s father, Tommy, doing her favorite activities.

Shirley adored her sons. She showed them what it means to love unconditionally and how to manage life’s challenges. Her spirit will live on through her children and grandchildren.

Those left with special memories include, Brother Donald Hatton, Stepsister Sharon Houston, Aunts Lois Jones (Robert), Antoinette Leoney, Karen Dade, Trudy Lowery (Jimmy), Uncles Lynwood McLean (Colleen), Raymond McLean and a host of loving cousins.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at The Davis Funeral Home located at 89 Walnut Avenue Roxbury, MA 02119. Family and friends are welcome to attend the visitation and service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Shirley DeLoach to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift

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