Shirley A. O’Mara
Date of Passing:
O’Mara, Shirley A. (Olson), 83, of Troy Street, Rumford, died peacefully on March 7, 2021 at the Island Health & Rehabilitation Center, East Providence. She was the beloved wife of William B. O’Mara.
Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Wallace and Mildred (Coleman) Olson, she was a resident of Rumford since 1964.
Mrs. O’Mara was a secretary for the Rhode Island Youth Guidance Center before retiring in 1999.
Shirley was a volunteer at the former Memorial Hospital, Pawtucket. She also was a volunteer coordinator and established the Military Family Program for the State of Rhode Island. She also earned awards from the Department of Defense and the Department of the Army.
Governor Bruce Sundlun named a day after Shirley on June 19th 1993 as Mrs. Shirley A. O’Mara Day in Rhode Island.
Shirley also enjoyed bowling and quilting.
Besides her husband of sixty one years, she is survived by a daughter, Jude M. O’Mara of Philadelphia, PA; a son, David W. O’Mara of Providence; a sister, Judith L’Heureux of Seekonk, MA; her brother, Wally Olson of Seekonk, MA and her devoted “grand-dogs” and “grand-cats”. She was the sister of the late Eddie Olson.
Her Funeral will be held on Monday March 15, 2021 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willet Avenue, Riverside at 8 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Martha’s Church, Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.
Calling hours are Monday morning at 8 a.m. -9 a.m. The guidelines set forth by the Rhode Island Department of Health will be observed. Face coverings are required and only fifteen people will be allowed in the building at a time. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contribution’s in Shirley’s memory to the R. I National Guard Retirees Association Emergency Support Fund, 645 New London Avenue, Cranston, R.I. 02920 would be deeply appreciated.
So sorry to hear about Shirley. She was a kind and wonderful lady, and a great neighbor. we will keep her in our prayers.
Bill; I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed working with Shirley and you in the RI National Guard Family Assistance Program. You and Shirley always made significant contributions to the military families.
William and the O’Mara Family,
No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, take comfort in knowing that she is now resting in the arms of our Lord.
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. You may take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now.
May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days. Her passing is physical, but Shirley will always be with you in your Hearts and memories for ever.
Please accept our Prayers and our most heartfelt condolences.
Gloria & Kenneth DiLeone
Bill, Linda and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family, I am sure you have many good memories as we all do, she was a great lady and left a wonderful legacy as she helped so many people for so many years. You and Shirley are in our prayers, Reggie and Linda
Wow, what a significant live she lived. She must have had such a significant impact on thousands of lives. Sorry for your loss Dave. God give you whole family peace.
Bill,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I wish you all the strength you can muster within your body and soul during these difficult times.
Dick Devoe
Bill, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Shirley welcomed me with open arms many years ago and I will forever be grateful. She was a wonderful lady.
So sorry to hear of your loss SGM O’Mara. Deepest condolences.
Bill and family
My deepest condolences on your precious loss! May she rest in peace and may God bless!
Bill sorry for your loss. My wife and I really enjoyed the Annual Retiree’s Dinners in Newport with you and Shirley.
Sincerely,
John & Patricia
David, Sorry to hear of your moms passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
I am sorry for your loss. Shirley was a bright light when I met her at any event. She was and always will be part of the Artillery family.
Jude and family,
On behalf of myself and the entire graduating Class of Ephsclass1979, our sincerest and deepest condolences to you and your family. I remember meeting your mom a d she was a very lovely woman. She is at peace with God.
Sorry for your loss. Linda and I enjoyed serving with her on the Family Support Group. You were like family
Bill so sorry for your loss I did Shirley’s hair at Hair illusions for years This is Karen so sorry
My dear friend Shirley will be sorely missed!!
I’m so very sorry for your loss. She became like a mother to all the men who had the honor of serving with her husband. She was an exceptional lady.