Shirley Alice Gros, age 96, passed away peacefully on early Tuesday morning, September 2, 2025, at Citizen's Care and Rehabilitation Center in Frederick, Maryland. She was born on May 13, 1929, in Waterbury, Connecticut, the firstborn of the late Henry and Laura Gros. She attended the Northfield School for Girls in Northfield, Massachusetts and graduated from high school at the Dean Academy in Franklin, Massachusetts. Shirley received a degree in Secretarial Science from Byrant College in Smithfield, Rhode Island, completing courses in general secretarial skills, shorthand and typing. While in college, she met her future husband, Joseph T Stanowicz, an accounting major at Bryant, and the two were later married. Shirley enjoyed the friendship of her classmates and stayed in touch with many of them throughout their lives. After college, Shirley and her husband moved to Watertown, Connecticut to be closer to her family, and she was employed as an Executive Secretary until the birth of her first child. Although a homemaker while her two children were in school, the marriage ended, and she returned to work as an Administrative Assistant for the Nutmeg Ballet in Torrington, Connecticut. Subsequently she worked as an Executive Administrative Assistant for the Forman School in Litchfield, Connecticut, helping students with learning differences prepare their college admissions applications. She was dedicated to her work at Forman and chose not to retire until the age of 75. Shirley enjoyed traveling with her adult son and daughter, with memorable trips to Hawaii, California, Rhode Island, Cape Cod, Block Island, the Bahamas, the Rocky Mountains, Maine, Nantucket Island, and the Outer Banks, and day trips with her sister, Betsy, to West Point and other nearby attractions. After residing in Litchfield, Connecticut for many years, Shirley moved to Eldridge Senior Housing, a retirement community in Morris, Connecticut. Although a Connecticut Yankee by heart, she relocated to Maryland in 2019 at the age of eighty-nine to be closer to her adult children and their families, living independently at Creekside at Taskers Chance, a retirement community in Frederick. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Laura Gros of Bethlehem, Connecticut (formerly of Oakville, Connecticut); a sister, Elizabeth Gros of Bethlehem, Connecticut; a nephew, Paul Gros of Litchfield, Connecticut; two aunts, Blanche Loyot and Florence Loyot of Torrington, Connecticut; an uncle, Frederick (Fred) Loyot of Torrington, Connecticut; and her former husband, Joseph T. Stanowicz, the father of her two children. She is survived by a daughter, Laura Speirs and a son-in-law, Ian Scott Speirs of Frederick, Maryland; a son, Dr. Marc Stanard of Falls Church, Virginia; a granddaughter, Gabriela Saballos and a grandson-in-law, Carlos Saballos of Charlottesville, Virginia; a grandson, Justin Speirs of Frederick, Maryland; a granddaughter, Kaelan Speirs of Frederick, Maryland; a great-grandson, Lucas Mateo Saballos; and a great- granddaughter, Maria Clara Saballos of Charlottesville, Virginia. She is also survived by a brother, George Gros and his partner, Helen White of Morris, Connecticut; a niece, Leslie Gros of Bethlehem, Connecticut; a nephew, Jeffrey Gros and a niece by marriage, Courtney Gros of Bridgewater, Connecticut; and a nephew, Alexander Gros of New York, New York.

Family was very important to Shirley. She visited her parents nearly every week, helped to look after her aunt and uncle throughout their elder years, and cared for her sister during a lengthy illness. She enjoyed baking, and her blueberry muffins, pancakes, and whipped cream cakes were family favorites. Those who knew Shirley will remember her love of the ocean, especially the rocky coast of Maine, and her special fondness for cats. She was an avid reader of detective stories, mysteries, and action thrillers. Shirley was a true fighter who survived bouts of pneumonia and covid-19, as well as numerous bone fractures due to osteoporosis; her recoveries are amazing stories of courage and resilience. She lived independently and remained mentally sharp and involved in the activities of her family throughout her long life. A private service for her family will be held in Bethlehem, Connecticut. To send an online condolence, visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.