Shirley MacGillivray

Shirley A. MacGillivray, 91, of 9 Ocean Lawn Lane, Newport, Rhode Island, died on July 18, 2025. She was the devoted wife of Colin A. MacGillivray for 65 years. Born in Newport, RI on May 16, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Coughlin) Lopes.

 Shirley was a graduate of St. Catherine's Academy and Salve Regina University and obtained an advanced degree in education. After graduation from college, she taught first grade for eight years at the Sullivan School until she left to dedicate her time to her family. She was a member and supporter of many local organizations including Newport Hospital Foundation, Portsmouth Abbey School, St. Philomena School and St. Mary's Church in Newport. Shirley's life was deeply rooted in Newport and Aquidneck Island. She could often be found on many of the tennis courts on the island where she seemed to know everyone who played. She volunteered as a docent at the Tennis Hall of Fame and was well-known in the tennis community.

 She had a true gift for making friends and took an interest in everyone she met. She loved her husband Colin most of all and she considered her family her greatest accomplishment. She gave them many gifts including a template for how to lead a fulfilling life, have a happy marriage, and raise children to be good and decent.

 Shirley is survived by her husband Colin, her children Mark A. MacGillivray and his wife Denise of Portsmouth, Stephen J. MacGillivray and his wife Liz of Middletown, and Melissa MacGillivray Dane and her husband Brook of Beverly Farms, MA as well as her nine grandchildren of whom she was so proud: Anna MacGillivray, Hugh MacGillivray, Will Shaw-MacGillivray, Colin MacGillivray, Oscar MacGillivray, Margaret ("Maisie") MacGillivray, Henry Dane, Charles Dane and Arabella Dane. She is also survived by her niece Allison McCall Ciminero.

 Shirley is preceded in death by her siblings Catherine McCall, Frank Lopes, and Robert Lopes.

 Visiting hours will be held on Friday July 25th from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday July 26th with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Spring Street, Newport. Burial will be private.

 Donations may be made in Shirley's name to the Star Kids Scholarship Program: https://www.starkidsprogram.org/