Shirley A. (Huddleston) Hursey, 69, of Gardner, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family, after an illness.

Born in Brownfield, Texas, on March 1, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Gloria (Sawyer) Huddleston. She attended Holy Rosary and Gardner High School and went on to earn her Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Mount Wachusett Community College.

Shirley was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner. She lived life to the fullest while appreciating life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed decorating, working on puzzles, and reading a good book. A devoted homemaker, Shirley's greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. Her life revolved around those she loved, and she treasured every smile, every laugh, and every moment spent together, particularly during the holiday season, with Christmas holding a special place in her heart.

She is survived by her two daughters, Kathy A. Gray and her husband, Eric, of Gardner, and Kerry A. Kipp of Gardner; her two sons, Van M. Hursey III of Gardner and Derek A. Hursey and his wife, Erica, of Bedford; eight grandchildren, Brandon Hursey, Brianna Cupps, Brian Bruso, Justin Kipp, Jonathan Kipp, Alexis Hursey, Victoria Hursey, and Jackson Hursey; three great-grandchildren, Kayleigh Hursey, Bella Hursey, and Weston Cupps; an aunt, Shirley Larocque of Danvers; a brother-in-law, Thomas Hursey of Gardner; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 40 years, Van M. Hursey, Jr., who died in 2016, and by her brother, Robert A. Huddleston.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. in Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Boston, Attn: Office of Philanthropy, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, or online at www.shrinerschildrens.org. Please reference "In Memory of Shirley A. Hursey."