Shirley M. Chace

Shirley M. (Dwelly) Chace, 97 of East Freetown, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, at the Sippican Healthcare Center. She was the wife of the late Raymond A. Chace. Raised in Fairhaven as a child, she lived the rest of her life in East Freetown.

Shirley was an amazing homemaker, raising her son, helping to raise countless nieces and nephews, who considered her their second mother, while simultaneously helping her husband manage a successful excavating business. At the age of forty she attended Bristol Community College where she received her nursing degree, graduating at the top of her class. She began her nursing career at Paul A. Dever State School in Taunton, becoming a Nursing Unit Director, guiding a staff of 125 employees until her retirement.

Shirley was a woman of uncommon strength and character, who radiated love and acceptance towards others. Her laughter and smile could chase away even the darkest of shadows She was a talented cook, collecting hundreds of cookbooks, saying, "If I find one good recipe, it was worth the money." She often mentioned if she were to do it again, she would have been a chef. Shirley was also talented at sketching, designing the layout of the home she shared with her husband of seventy-three years. She loved to travel and before GPS she was a natural at reading maps, always planning the perfect, full-filled itinerary for every trip. She rescued countless animals and was lovingly referred to as Dr. Doolittle; any animal was immediately drawn to her side, the sure sign of a loving and trustworthy person. Her favorite places were with her family, in the kitchen or reading an enjoyable book. She was adored by all, especially her great-grandsons Matthew and Mason who lovingly called her She-She.

Shirley lived her life with grace, elegance, and kindness, and made a difference in the world one person at a time. Our lives, the people who knew and loved her, and the world, were enriched for her having lived among us.

Shirley is survived by her son Raymond A. Chace, Jr., and his wife Karen of East Freetown, her grandson, Christopher Chace of New Bedford, his fiancée Erin Finn, great-grandsons, Mason and Matthew Chace of New Bedford, her great-nephew Shane Collins of Lakeville and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of Barbara Demoranville, Margaret Baker, Susan Pittsley, Nancy Westgate, and the late Leonard Cornell, John Cornell, Richard Cornell, and Grace Bernier.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4-7PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Century House, 107 S. Main St., Acushnet, on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you plan to attend, please bring your smiles, joyful spirits, and a story to share. Shirley's favorite color was pink; the family invites you, if you choose, to wear that color to celebrate her vibrant life. A private burial will take place in the spring. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Shirley's love for her dogs was legendary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fairhaven Animal Shelter, 200 Bridge St, Fairhaven, MA, 02719. If you are unable to do so, please perform a random act of kindness or cook your favorite dish in her memory.