Shirley Tillinghast

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shirley Tillinghast, a beloved mother, friend, and dedicated professional in the real estate industry, who left this world on December 16, 2024. She was a resident of Portsmouth and Prudence Island. Born into a family rooted in resilience and determination, after high school she established herself as a respected broker and owner of Salem House and Associates, where she demonstrated her commitment to her clients and the community.

Shirley was an active member of the National Association of Realtors, where her passion for connecting people with their dream homes shone brightly. Beyond her professional achievements, she found joy in life's simple pleasures. Her fondness for bus trips to Foxwoods Casino and New York City offered her thrills and excitement, while her love for spending time at Escobar Farms in Portsmouth, particularly navigating the Corn Maze, highlighted her playful spirit and love for adventure. Shirley liked to visit North Conway, NH where she would go snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. She was an avid baker and was well known for her signature horseradish dip. Shirley enjoyed painting, jewelry, music and singing, and her favorite, yellow roses and loved watching the New England Patriots.

Shirley was not only a devoted professional but also passionate about stock cars and proud owner of racehorses, reflecting her vibrant zest for life. She cherished the moments spent with her family, especially her daughters, Sherry Lee Dorothy and Donna Haines Narciso, who were a source of love and pride throughout her life.

In honoring Shirley's memory, family and friends will gather for a service to celebrate her life on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road in Portsmouth.

The burial will be private.

All who knew her are invited to join in this celebration of a life well-lived, marked by love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Shirley Tillinghast will be deeply missed but will forever remain in our hearts as a shining example of strength, joy, and unconditional love.

Shirley is survived by her daughters; Sherry Lee Dorothy, of Portsmouth and Donna Haines Narciso and her husband Reginald Narciso also of Portsmouth. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Bryan, Melissa, Tiffany and Christopher and her great grandchildren, as well as her 2 nephews, Chris and Keith Edson.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Lester Tillinghast, her parents James St. Ours, Dora St. Ours, David Tillinghast, Helen Edson and Russell St. Ours, and a niece and nephew