Obituary of Shirley E. Josephson

Shirley E. (Murray) Josephson, age 88, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Woburn, MA on August 5, 2024.  She was the devoted and loving wife of Raymond D. Josephson, with whom she had shared 70 blissful years of marriage.

Born in Somerville, MA on December 22, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Russell E. Murray and Helen C. (Kavanaugh) (Murray) Keith.  Shirley graduated from Burlington High School and met the love of her life shortly thereafter.  They were married at just nineteen years old, but their young age meant next to nothing due to the sheer strength of their love for one another.  Raymond and Shirley’s marriage was described by anyone who knew them as “absolutely perfect”.  They lead their family by example in every way; they rarely fought, and proved time and time again, that kindness and love are the keys to a long marriage and a happy home.  Raymond always referred to Shirley as “My Bride”.  Shirley loved doting on Raymond, and he lived to make her happy as well.  All he had to do was look around the room for something, and Shirley would be right there, ready to grab whatever he needed.  This was just Shirley though, and when her children came along that trait continued two-fold.

The only thing in this life that Shirley loved as much as her husband, were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She was an adoring mother, who took every opportunity to dote upon her children, just as she did Raymond.  There were always fresh cookies or cupcakes baked for the children when they came home from school.  As they snacked, Shirley would watch over them all as they did their homework together.  Friends of the family would often lightheartedly compare the Josephsons to the Waltons because of how strong their family bond was.  Shirley regularly went above and beyond with her loved ones outside her immediate family as well.  She never missed a single birthday, anniversary, or special moment in their lives, and was always sure to send a card or Facebook post wishing them well.  Shirley also insisted on hosting holidays at her home, even after she and Raymond downsized, because taking care of her family was truly a joy for her.  Cooking was not her passion, but it was obvious that each family meal was prepared with love.  Her compassionate nature, sense of humor, and genuine selflessness made Shirley a wonderful wife, mother, nana, and mimi; the best any family could ask for.  Often Raymond would tell Shirley that because of her, they were “the richest people in the world”.

Shirley was the loving mother of the late Karen Johnson, who passed in February 2017, and grandmother of the late Jill Edmunds.  She was also one of five children, and was a dear sister to the late Dorothy (Murray) Gonsalves and her late husband Thomas, Russell "Sonny" Murray, John Murray, and Ralph "Butch" Murray.

Along with her dear husband Raymond, Shirley is survived by her three loving daughters Debbie Masotta and her husband Mike of Laconia, NH; Donna Edmunds and her partner Shannon Duguay of Manchester, NH; Cathy Colquitt and her husband David of New Bern, NC; and her late daughter Karen Johnson’s life partner Scott Compton of Woburn, MA. She is also survived by her eleven adoring grandchildren: Erin, Lauren, Shane, Nicholas, Adam, Kimmy, James, Devon, Mariah, Nikki, and Shea; her six loving great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Jade, Lucas, Ava, Stella, and Sophia.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, August 12^th from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington, MA.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 12^th at 12 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, MA.  Burial will immediately follow in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn, MA.