Shirley A. (Christensen, Grillone) Kuja, 78, of West Wareham, formerly of Whitman and Brockton, passed away suddenly on March 8 at Tobey Hospital. Shirley was the wife of Thomas F. Kuja Sr. of West Wareham.

Shirley was born in Brockton, the daughter of the late Sverre and Jeannette (Webber) Christensen. She attended Brockton Public Schools and graduated from Brockton High School in 1953. A bookkeeper, Shirley worked for Franklin Auto, Brest Auto, and Lappens Auto Supply. Shirley later worked for Pilgrim Rubbish Removal of Wareham and B.F.I. in Abington as a sales representative.

An avid Red Sox fan, Shirley also enjoyed crosswords, puzzles, area Bingo games, and spending time in Harwich Port.

She is survived by her children and step-children: Lisa A. Eckman of South Dennis, James V. Grillone of Duxbury, Kelli A. Silva of Fla., Kim M. Barber of Plymouth, Thomas F. Kuja Jr. of Fla., and Kevin J. Kuja of Fla. Shirley is survived by 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and many loving relatives and friends. She is the step-mother of the late Gary E. Kuja and sister of the late Russell, Roland, and Norman Christensen and Roline Wereska.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, March 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Wareham Village Funeral Home, 5 Center Street, Wareham. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 14, at 10 a.m. in Saint Patrick’s Church, 82 High Street, Wareham. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend and asked on the morning of the funeral to gather at the church at 9:45 a.m. Interment will follow in Massachusetts National Cemetery, 1 Bennington Blvd.,  Bourne. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the charity of your choice.  For online guestbook, visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com.