Shirley A. (Danos) Bernasconi

September 14, 1930 - July 01, 2023

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Obituary for Shirley A. (Danos) Bernasconi

Shirley (Danos) Bernasconi, sadly passed away peacefully after enjoying a long and beautiful life, at the age of 92. She embodied the qualities of an exceptional mother and grandmother in every way. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren, whether it was a trip to the casino, playing board games, or having a simple home-cooked meal with her children. She also was an avid card player who would strike up a poker game with anyone willing to test their luck.

Shirley had a kind heart and a selfless nature. She was thoughtful, giving and forgiving. She was there for those in need, either in person, by calling, bringing food, or writing notes. Shirley made a habit of marking life events in her calendars so that she could keep up to date on milestones of her close and extended family. These were the things that mattered most to her.

After graduating from Dorchester High School for Girls in 1948, she worked at Graybar Electric for 9 years. During that time, she met and married her one true love, John. As a couple, they raised 4 children in Milton, MA, giving each of them a wonderful upbringing. After raising her children, she worked at the Bank of Boston in Dorchester, MA.

Shirley was born in Boston, MA, the daughter of Nicholas and Mary (Holmes) Danos and the beloved wife to John, who passed in 1997 after 43 years of marriage. Sister to the late Frederick Danos, Anna Arcangeli and Marie Miller.

She was the devoted mother to John Bernasconi of Llano, New Mexico, Jay Bernasconi and wife, Tracey of Braintree, MA; Mary Volpe and husband Peter of Braintree, MA; Linda Bernasconi of Chicago, IL and her late husband, Chris Harlan. Loving grandmother to Amanda, Erica and Rachel Bernasconi and Peter and Paul Volpe.

The family would like to thank the administration and staff at South Cove Manor and First Choice Hospice for their extraordinary care, kindness and respect in the final months of Shirley’s life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, Saint Mary of the Hills Church, 29 Saint Mary’s Road, Milton Saturday, July 8 at 10:00 AM. Faily and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Friday, July 7 from 4-8 PM. Burial Cedar Grove Cemetery.

To honor Shirley’s life, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to South Cove Manor at Quincy Point; a charity of your choosing or to simply pass on an act of kindness in her memory.

Services

7 Jul

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
8 Jul

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM

Saint Mary of the Hills 29 St. Mary’s Road Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
8 Jul

Burial

11:30 AM

Cedar Grove Cemetery 920 Adams Street Dorchester Center, MA 02124 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • July 07, 2023

    Bill and Alice Mercer

    To Johnny, Jay, Mary and Linda and their families ....We were so saddened about Shirley's passing. Shirley was a great neighbor, friend and co-worker at The Foodie where we worked side by side for many years along with many of her family ... Jay, Mary and Linda and our boys, Danny and Matt !!! We had some great times there. May Shirley rest in peace. Our prayers and sympathy go out to all of you. Love, Bill and Allie

  • July 06, 2023

    paul macgaregill

    I grew up next door to the Bernasconi family on Briarfield Rd. Shirley (Mrs B as I called her) was like my second Mom. Too many good memories to put in this short tribute. She always had the BBQ grill fired up before Mr B got home from work and he cooked dinner. Hard to forget the first time I saw her walking their cat on a leash down the street. Great family vacations at lake Winnipesaukee. My Mom and Mrs B were lifelong friends. To Johnny, Jay, Mary and Linda...after you grieve...try to do as I did when my Mom passed....celebrate her life and all the great memories of her that you have. Sincerely, Paul MacGaregill

  • July 06, 2023

    Sarah Ellstrom

    I'm very blessed that peter took me to visit her these past few months. She was a beautiful soul and always spoke so highly of her family. So sorry for your family's loss. May she be at peace. Sending my love - Sarah Ellstrom and family ❤️

  • July 05, 2023

    Janice (Gadaire) Fleuriel

    Shirley was a font of fun and friendship for my parents, Raymond and Jane, throughout their 52 years of marriage, and a well of emotional strength for me and my mother after my father passed in 2009. I imagine a scene where Shirley, John, Claire, Bud, Ray, and Jane are once again around a table at one house or another enjoying dinner with their "bring your own grill meat" and playing bridge, and doing a lot of laughing. My sincere condolences to your whole family. Janice (Gadaire) Fleuriel

  • July 04, 2023

    RachelNoversa

    Jay ,Tracey ,and family , Sending our love and sympathy . Rachel and Joe Noversa

  • July 04, 2023

    George & Florence McHugh

    To the Bernasconi family we are sorry about the passing of your mother Shirley .She was a neighbor of ours years ago and always full of fun and a very good sport .I know you will miss her but she will be back with your father John.RIP Shirley and God Bless . George & Florence McHugh

  • July 03, 2023

    Benjamin Lovell

    Peter Volpe and Family: so sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. ♥️🙏

  • July 03, 2023

    Dennis Boyd

    Jay, so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Keep in your heart all the good memories of a life well lived. Dennis Boyd

  • July 03, 2023

    Karen Murphy

    Jay , Tracy and Family , I am so very sorry for your loss . My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time . Love, Karen Murphy