Shirley L. Wessman

Shirley Louise (Stewart) Wessman, 90, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, a beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.  She was the wife of the late Robert Arthur Wessman who died on March 20, 1996.
Born in AuSable, Michigan on January 20, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Elmer Stewart and the late Elizabeth (Jacques) Stewart.  She was raised and educated in Oscoda, Michigan where she was a graduate of Oscoda High School.  Michigan remained in her heart for a lifetime.  She worked at a local soda fountain when she met Bob whom would become her husband.  The Wessman family spent many summers days on Lake Huron, MI enjoying the long dock at the beach near at their water front home.  Prior to her husband passing, they enjoyed several summers in her native Michigan and the winter months in  Fort Myers, Florida.
Prior to her marriage she was employed as an "old fashioned telephone operator".  Following her marriage she devoted herself to her husband and eventually her nine children.
Her children were raised in North Attleboro, MA where they attended St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and where their father, Robert, served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister.  The Wessman family was proud that all nine of the children were graduates of Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, MA.  While a resident of North Attleboro, Shirley was a longtime volunteer for the Town of North Attleboro polls during elections.
As an avid crocheter and quilter, she enjoyed taking trips with other artisans.  One of her favorite trips was visiting the "Quilting Capital of the World" in Hamilton, Missouri.  In retirement, she also picked up her husband's love of golf and joined a women's golf league in their community in Fort Myers, FL.  She was a gentle soul who will be remembered for her innate ability to be a good listener and for being a dedicated, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
She was the loving mother of Robin Wessman - Norfolk, MA; Wanda Reed - Middletown, RI;  the late  Pamela Julian; Bryan Wessman - West Palm Beach, FL;  Barry Wessman - Cumberland, RI;  Valerie Chabot - Beaufort, SC;  Lisa Duquette - Lincoln, RI; Terry Morse - Southboro, MA and Derek Wessman - Newport, RI;  and doting grandmother to 24 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
She was the sister of Marian Thompson - Alpine, CA and her deceased sisters: Ada DeCosta, Nelly McNeill, Arla Covey, Mildred O'Dell, Lillian Minor and her deceased brothers:  Charlie Stewart and Clyde Stewart.
Mrs. Wessman also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
Family and friends are cordially invited to attend Shirley's Visitation on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.
Visitation will continue on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA followed by a Celebration of Her Life to be held in the "Memorial Chapel" at 10:45 a.m. following Saturday's visitation.
An invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments at a location to be announced at the conclusion of services.
A private committal service will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023, at the Massachusetts National Cemetery where Shirley will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Robert.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Shirley's name may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.donate.cancer.org or by calling 800-227-2345.
For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA. 508-695-0200