Shirley M. Giroux-Kreisz

SOUTH BARRE – Shirley M. Giroux-Kreisz, 85, of Wilson Street, died Monday, April 6, 2015, with her family at her side in the Garden Room at the Gifford Healthcare in Randolph.
Born in Barre on January 13, 1930, she was the daughter of Elmer and Ila (Abare) Beede. She graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre in 1947.
After graduation, she was first employed with Green Mountain Power Corporation. She devoted twenty-five years to raising her family and then took a position in the admissions department of the Central Vermont Medical Center. Upon her retirement, she worked part-time for other organizations, including Washington County Mental Health and the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District.
Shirley was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed reading, dancing, exercise, and crafts. She had been active at the Barre Senior Center and was a volunteer at the Vermont State House.
In 1987, Shirley married John Kreisz in the East Barre Congregational Church where she was a longtime member. Following their marriage, they made their home in Graniteville, Williamstown and South Barre. John survives her. At the time of her death, Shirley was residing at Heaton Woods in Montpelier.
Shirley was first married to Leonard Giroux in 1948. She is survived by her daughters and sons from that marriage; Sylvia Giroux Relation of Barre Town, Anita Giroux Strong (Paul) of Fitchburg, MA, Michael Giroux (Gina) of Barre, Steven Giroux (Rebecca) of Huntington, Norman Giroux (Yolanda) of Norfolk, VA, Donald Giroux of Orange, Brian Giroux (Laurie) of Barre, and Kimberly Giroux of Barre Town; her 17 grandchildren, Eric and Amy Relation, Erin Reavey, Patricia Fitzpatrick, Lisa Fletcher, Amanda McKinnon, Gregory Giroux, Laura Hill, Katrina Lauzon, Abigail Laisson, Monica, Jason, and Kevin Giroux, Heather Elliott, Jessica Jackson, and Evan and Casey Johnson; 24 great-grandchildren with the 25th due this month. She also leaves a brother, Robert Beede (Eleanor) of Williamstown and their sons.
Shirley was predeceased by two sons-in-law, Edward Relation and Brendan McFadden.
Her funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. in the East Barre Congregational Church. Family and friends may call at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre on Saturday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Central Vermont Special Olympics, c/o Susan Pittsley, PO Box 79, East Barre, VT 05649.