Shirley Ann (Cain) Moran
Feb. 24, 1933 – May 24, 2025

It is with full & peaceful hearts that we announce the passing of Shirley Moran on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the age of 92.

Shirley has joined our dad, Marty, in Heaven. Our Mom and Mimi lived a great and fun-loving life for 92 years, always focusing on our dad, the love of her life, her four boys, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, with number four on the way. Her world was raising her boys and being an amazing wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Shirley and Marty created a beautiful, welcoming, and cozy home for all of us, filled with traditions and holidays you read about. Now, they will share eternity together. There are not enough words to capture all that came from her energy, smile, and incredible blue eyes.

Shirley was the proud mother of four sons, all of whom carry on her light and legacy in their own families. Martin A. Moran III and his wife Susan, and their daughters, Kerryn and Kaleigh. Rob Moran and his wife Julie, and their daughters, Maiya and Makayla. Steve Moran and his partner Marcus Viana, are joined by Steve’s daughter Chelsea Moran, and her partner Steve Staudinger, and their three girls, Sophie, Charlotte, and Grace, as well as Steve’s son Christian Moran and his wife Megan. Sean Moran and his wife Marion and their four sons: Aedan, Dane, Caellum, and Declan.

For all who knew Shirley, we can agree she had a radiant smile and beautiful blue eyes that lit up any room she entered. When Shirley and Marty arrived, spirited conversation, laughter, dancing, and love always followed. Whether it was a birthday at home, a backyard barbecue, Sundays at Second Beach, or especially the holidays, Shirley made it all so special. From Christmas to the Fourth of July and every occasion in between, she turned each celebration into a cherished memory.

A gifted athlete and fashion model, Shirley loved her time on the golf course with friends at Rhode Island Country Club. She was also a talented tennis and paddle tennis player and a champion speed skater at the Skating Club of Boston in her teens. But it was her career in fashion modeling that first brought her into the spotlight. At just 15, she traveled to Paris on behalf of Filene’s department store in Boston and was featured in Look magazine in 1948—a rare honor that marked the beginning of a decades-long modeling career. Later, after raising her boys, Shirley resumed modeling, continuing until the age of 65.

To her family, she was Mimi. Mimi and Papa created traditions that have rooted generations of Morans in love and celebration. One of our most cherished family sayings when we’re together is: “Aren’t we cozy?”—to which we all reply, “Aren’t we!” That simple phrase became our family motto, a symbol of the love and togetherness Mom and Dad so lovingly cultivated. Together, they showed us how to build a life centered around family, fun and faith.
Here’s to “Shirl the Whirl,” as our dad, Marty, always said, “One of America’s great beauties”. She is a force that lives on in each of us. We’ll do our best to honor and live in the legacy of Shirley and Marty Moran.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 11am, at St. Luke’s Church in Barrington, Rhode Island.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a contribution in Shirley’s memory to the Home for Little Wanderers, 10 Guest Street, Boston, MA, 02135.