Shirley G Magnuson

Shirley G Magnuson, age 86, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Manchester, NH. She was born on November 21, 1938, in Manchester, NH, the daughter of the late Russell and Evelyn (Klaubert) Geer. She was a graduate of Central High School in Manchester, NH.

Shirley worked for 30 years in the Alter Guild at Grace Episcopal Church, offering her time and dedication to her faith and community. She also took care of her sister for 10 years embodying the deep love and devotion she had for family.

Growing up, Shirley found joy in bowling with friends and family at Lakeside Lanes. She was also the heart behind the cherished Ham and Bean suppers in Hooksett, ensuring neighbors could come together over a warm meal and a shared sense of community. Her dedication to others was apparent in many ways, perhaps most memorably in founding the Hooksett Girls Softball League. She took great pride in giving young athletes a place to play, grow, and bond as a team. She never missed a game, always ensuring her children and others had rides to practices and events, cheering them on every step of the way. She also served as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, offering guidance and encouragement to young boys as they learned skills, built friendships, and embraced new experiences.

Her generosity wasn’t limited to her immediate family—she had an unwavering commitment to helping wherever she could. Whether babysitting beloved family pets, driving her adult children and grandchildren to work when transportation was needed, or proudly attending her grandchildren’s sports events, she was always there, ensuring no one felt alone or unsupported.

Shirley also cherished the time spent on the water. The many days aboard High Test with her husband, surrounded by dear friends and family, were among her happiest moments, cruising the waves, sharing laughter, and making lasting memories. Just as she loved the water, she found joy in watching friends and neighbors gather at the family pool, welcoming them with warmth and laughter as they cooled off and enjoyed each other’s company.

Her love extended beyond family and friends to the animals she adored. With a kind and gentle spirit, she welcomed the companionship of pets and wildlife alike, always offering them warmth and care. Even in her final days, she made sure the birds were always fed, never missing a moment to care for the creatures around her.

The Backroom restaurant held a special place in her heart, a gathering spot where laughter and conversation flowed freely, surrounded by those she loved most.

She is survived by her loving children, Chandra Rheault and her husband Paul, Brett Magnuson and his wife Lynn, Tami Magnuson and Heidi Beaulieu; grandchildren, Cari LeBlond and her husband Manny Cruz, Cody Magnuson and his wife Skyla Dearborn, Tonya Peterson and her partner Jeremy Wolfe, Tara Keane, Josh Caprarella and his wife Lorena, Nicole Light and her husband Christopher, Kyle Beaulieu and his wife Danielle, Angela Magnuson and Jade Erlman; great-grandchildren, Chandler, Harley, Brianna and Harmony LeBlond, Savannah, Kairi and Maelynn Magnuson, Keagan and Declan Peterson, Tovi Wolfe, Bella and Liam Marston, Avery and Mia Light and Archer Beaulieu. She is also survived by a great-great grandchild, Royce Roger.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Nancy Stantial.

She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of generosity, dedication, and love will live on in the lives of all who had the honor of knowing her.

All are welcome to attend a graveside service taking place on Thursday, May 29 at 11:00AM at the Pine Grove Cemetery, 765 Brown Ave., Manchester, NH. Immediately following the service, all are cordially invited to continue to Celebrate Shirley’s life with a light luncheon at the Puritan Back Room, 245 Hooksett Rd., Manchester, NH, Pappas Room. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to be sent to the VNA of Manchester NH at https://www.manchestervna.org/give-a-gift or plant a tree.