Shirley B. Hutchinson

FARMINGTON – Shirley Bridges Hutchison, 87, born Feb. 28, 1934, passed away peacefully on Sept. 9, 2021, with family by her side. Shirley had some falls that made it difficult for her to bounce back. As we sat by her side, reminiscing and painting her nails and combining her hair, our mother shed a tear before leaving us to be with the Lord and loved ones before us. Shirley was a strong woman with a great sense of humor. She raised her children alone and to be as strong and independent as she was. She loved dancing with her family and friends on Saturday night and if she didn’t have a babysitter then she would bring them with her which instilled that love in us as well. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and crafts. She had a ceramic shop in her home that was enjoyed by many. She also loved plants, flowers and jewelry. She sold Sara Coventry Jewelry and Avon for years. She wore many hats throughout her life, as a mother first and foremost, she worked as a receptionist, housekeeper, in the orchards, as a waitress, and a caregiver. She did her work with passion and care and cherished everyone equally. She did what she had to for work to assure her family’s needs were met. She enjoyed her time with family and any events that gathered family together. She will be missed by all who knew her. Shirley was predeceased by her father, James Simmons and mother, Ruth (Damren) Simmons, her husband, Grayden Rourke who perished in a car accident on her 21st birthday while seven-and-a-half months pregnant with her second son. She was predeceased by her second husband, Dexter Bridges Sr., with whom they shared two children together. She was predeceased by her husband, Duncan Hutchinson who she was fortunate to meet in her later years, and enjoyed sharing time together. She was also predeceased by her sister, Pauline Flagg and husband Robert, sister-in-law, Louise Simmons, her son, Timothy Rourke, her grandson, Jeff Freeman and recently grandson, Kyle Foyt-Bridges. Shirley is survived by her brother, James Simmons, her son, Dennis Rourke, son, Dexter Bridges Jr. and wife Theresa, daughter, Lori Gambino and husband Peter, grandchildren, Stephanie Rioux and husband Dan, Grayden Rourke, Ashley Decker and husband Steve, Shyla Williams and husband Johnston, Joshua Bridges and wife Alyssa, Cherish Benedict and husband Daniel, Caleb Bridges and wife Chloe. Ryan Bridges, James Gambino, daughter-in-law, Sandra Rourke; two stepdaughters, Sherry and Joanne Bridges whom she cherished as her own. She cherished her 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandsons.Condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com A graveside ceremony will be held at Glenside Cemetery on Turkey Lane in Winthrop on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of her life at the Winthrop Grange. Arrangements are under the care of Roberts Funeral Home, Winthrop.