Shirley Rich passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026. Born in New Jersey and raised in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, she carried throughout her life the values of curiosity, resilience, and grace.

A proud graduate of Colby College, she treasured her education and remained intellectually engaged all her life. She was an inveterate reader, rarely without a book nearby, and found great joy in learning, stories, and travel.

She made her home in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where she raised her three sons ( Jeffrey, David, and Jason) and built a life rooted in family and hard work. While raising her family, she returned to school to take courses in accounting so she could build and manage the growing family business. Her intelligence, discipline, and steady commitment were instrumental in its success.

She enjoyed traveling and crossed the world's oceans many times. She embraced the adventure and elegance of ocean voyages and the opportunity to see the world.

She expressed her creativity through sewing, quilting, and gardening. Whether tending her garden beds or stitching something by hand, she found quiet happiness in creating her works of art.

She moved to Maplewood in Weston in January 2024 and found happiness and peace. She made many wonderful friendships with residents and staff and enjoyed every minute.

She is survived by her family Jeff and Jennifer Rich of Winchester, Massachusetts;  David and Kim Rich of Sarasota, Florida; and Jason and Heather Rich of Wellesley, Massachusetts and her six beloved grandchildren: Zane, Katelyn, Phillip, Sofia, Ethan, and Molly. She is survived by her brother Arthur Cobb of Boynton Beach, FL;  sister Lucy McKay of Williamsburg, VA;  and brother Thomas Cobb of Charlestown, MA.

She will be remembered for her intellect, her creativity, and her steady strength.  Her legacy lives on in her family and in the many lives she touched. Per her wishes, the service will be private and her ashes will be spread at sea so she can continue her travels.

In lieu of flowers Donations can be made to: https://dogsinc.org/ways-to-give/make-a-donation/