Obituary: Shirley I. Suorsa, 91

Shirley I. Suorsa, 91, of Coventry, RI, passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Woodpecker Hill Nursing Home, in Coventry, RI. Born in Coventry, RI, she was married to Samuel Suorsa for 67 years, and was the daughter of the late Byron W. and Lula Belle (Henry) Carr.

Mrs. Suorsa graduated from Coventry High School, Class of 1940 and from Rhode Island College, Class of 1944, serving as valedictorian for both graduating classes. She was a school teacher, starting her career in the Warwick school system and later went on to teach at the Henry Barnard School in Providence, RI where she also served as a critic teacher for the Rhode Island College students, who came each afternoon to teach. She also served as a private tutor.

She was a member of Cornerstone of Faith United Methodist Church since her childhood, where she served in several capacities; Sunday school teacher, choir director, choir member for 67 years and several other positions within the church.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her son; Paul D. Suorsa and his wife Kathy Guay, her daughter-in-law Janice Suorsa, two grandchildren; Samuel R. and Kristina I. Suorsa, a great nephew and several cousins. She is predeceased by her son: Peter D. Suorsa, and her sister; Evelyn Petrarca.

A funeral service was held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at Gorton-Menard Funeral Home and Crematory, 721 Washington Street, Coventry, RI. 

In lieu of flowers we are going to set up a scholarship fund for a Coventry student attending Rhode Island College for teaching because Gram was a teacher and attended RIC.