Shirley L. (Lever) Freeland, 92, of Holden, passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 in the Holden Rehab. and Nursing Center, Holden. She was born in Methuen, daughter of Harry and Louise (Meyer) Lever, and has lived in Holden most of her life.

    Her husband of 59 years, Fordyce S. Freeland, died in 2004. She is survived by three sons, Jeffrey A. Freeland, Ronald J. Freeland and his wife Deborah, and Steven D. Freeland, all of Holden; 5 granddaughters, Michelle, Jennifer, Erin, Ashley and Katie; a great-grandson, Ryder; and nephews and nieces. Two brothers, Earl Lever and Darcy Lever, and two sisters, Ruth Jones-Wallace and Elaine Perry, predeceased her.

    Mrs. Freeland was a graduate of Commerce High School and was a member of the First Congregational Church of Holden, volunteered in its Corner Shop and was a former Kindergarten Aide at the church. She loved cats and was an avid Red Sox fan. She enjoyed playing the piano and spending time at Moody Beach in Maine.

    Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 27th in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Her funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 28th in the funeral home with burial following in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606.