Shirley Mae Cordeiro

Shirley Mae (Hindle) Cordeiro, 94, of Tiverton, RI, passed away at her home on October 19, 2025, surrounded by her family.

    She was the widow of the late Joseph M. Cordeiro “Babe”, her loving husband, to whom she had been married since February 14th, 1948, until his passing in 1990.

    Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on January 23, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Agnes E. Ayre.

    In her younger years, Shirley worked as a seamstress before dedicating most of her life to being a homemaker. She was skilled in quilting, needlework, knitting, and crocheting. Shirley truly loved her garden, roses were her favorite flower. She always enjoyed traveling with her husband, with her favorite place in the world being Golden Gate Park. Even after his passing, she continued to travel with her cousin Charra, to Europe and Hawaii.

    A kind and generous woman, Shirley was a gift to everyone who knew her. She lived for her family and cherished every moment spent with them. She had a special magic about her, and like the 'Pied Piper,' all the children were lovingly and unfailingly drawn to her bright spirit.

    She is survived by her two children, Nancy A. Ferreira (husband Paul) and Patricia M. Aguiar (husband Stephen); her brother, William Ayre (wife Georgette); five grandchildren: Kristina King (husband Richard), Lila Ferreira, Mary Ragonesi, Elizabeth O’Conner (husband Patrick), and Joseph Aguiar; 9 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

    Services will be private.