Shirley May (Trombley) Gentile, 95, passed away on August 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family with her first-born grandchild, Kimberly Pagliaro, right by her side during her final moments.
Born in Springfield on June 4, 1929, she was the daughter of the late George & Juliette (Bourgelas) Trombley and grew up in Indian Orchard.
She met the love of her life, John J. Gentile, on a blind date. Later in life she would humorously tell her children, it was not love at first sight! However, it did not take long before she fell for John; they were married a year later on October 14, 1950. Shortly thereafter, she was indoctrinated into the world of a large Italian American family, complete with friends, cooking, gatherings and constant foot traffic through their welcoming home. Shirley and John spent 70 years together, raising their six children.
Although she was of French Canadian descent, she was an accomplished Italian cook, having learned from her mother-in-law, Virginia. Shirley was a charter member of the Italian Women's Club of Springfield where she was very active for many years.
The Gentile household had an open-door policy, and everyone took advantage of that. All who entered knew they would leave with a belly full of Shirley's amazing cooking.
Once their children were grown, Shirley and John loved to travel. Whether near or far, the first thing they did upon reaching home was to make a sauce. As any typical Italian American knows, there is nothing like one's own homemade sauce.
And then there was Christmastime. Everyone looked forward to John's special Christmas Lobster FraDiavolo, served along with all the accoutrements, especially good wine. Later in the evening the Angelifamily, who lived next door, would come to the Gentiles for further celebration. The Angeli children numbered five, and each was a best friend to one of the Gentiles.
In her later years, Shirley could be found in "her chair" in the TV room, often knitting or watching game shows. She was always near her shrine which consisted of a special candle, mementos of her favorite Saints, in particular St. Solanus whose serenity gave peace to so many. She spent time praying to that shrine daily for her family and friends.
A grand celebration was held for her 90th birthday, complete with t-shirts emboldened with her picture, and a martini bar. Shirley loved her martinis, "but only one," and the giggles that followed were infectious. She kept all the cards and notes she received that day in a bag by her chair, where they remained for the rest of her life.
Christmas of 2023 was Shirley's last. Every one of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were there. She reveled in happiness that day. She enjoyed her martini and danced from her chair.
Her nickname, Shirl the Pearl, summed her up perfectly; she was that rare find from a single shell in a vast sea.
Shirley leaves her six children, Frank, Christine Pagliaro (James), John Gentile (Mary), Thomas Gentile (Laura), Tina Hudyka (Steven), and Robert Gentile (Julie), grandchildren, Kimberly, James, Briana, Sarah Marie, Thomas "TJ" Jr., Steven, Alex, and Anthony, great-grandsons, Luke, Karson, and Kolby, sister-in-law, Delores Rescia, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Along with her beloved husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Raymond Trombley, who fought valiantly in World War II, and dear sister, Gloria Shute.
All are invited to a 9:30 a.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial on Friday, September 6th for Shirley & John (who passed away on April 13, 2020), at Holy Cross Church, 221 Plumtree Road in Springfield. Their 11 a.m. Committal service will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Legacy Life Care VNA & Hospice at JGSLifeCare.org.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.
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