Perleyte A. "Pearl" Shackley

Perleyte A. (Dexter) Shackley, age 83, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Keller Landing Nursing Home in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Born in North Attleboro, Massachusetts on January 14, 1941, she was the daughter of Clifton Dexter and Catherine (Bernardini) Kennedy. She grew up in Franklin and Wrentham, and attended Henry O. Peabody School for Girls (an extension of Norwood High School). There, she learned to sew and became a private seamstress providing alteration services for over 50 years. 

Perleyte, known to her family and friends as Pearl, worked at Red Rock Diner in North Attleboro where she met a truck driver, Norman Shackley, who would stop daily for coffee. After dating several months, they were married on November 28, 1959 at St Mary’s in Wrentham. They resided in North Attleboro until they purchased their home in Walpole where they raised their two children. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament for over 40 years and St. Mary’s East Walpole for 9 years before moving to Tennessee. Pearl also joined the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, remaining a member for over 40 years.

In September 1981, Pearl was admitted to Mass General Hospital, where she was diagnosed with polymyositis. This disorder affects connective tissues in both the skin and voluntary muscles. The disease progressed to the extent that she became disabled, rendering her helpless. After months of testing, and conjunction with chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs, the disease was arrested in April 1982. After months of physical therapy, Pearl was able to walk again with the use of a walker. As she continued to gain her strength, she was able to walk with a cane. By June, she was driving again. She never gained her strength back completely, but she never gave up.

Pearl was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a friend to everyone and a friend everyone needed. She was constant, loyal, and never more than a phone call away. She could talk to anyone, about anything. She saved everything from Holiday decorations, presents, toys, and snacks. Anything you needed, if she had it, it was yours. She will be remembered for her big heart. She will be greatly missed by all.

Beloved wife of the late Norman Henry Shackley, Sr

Loving mother of Dorothy A. Thornton, and her husband Jeff, of Tuscumbia, Alabama, and the late Norman H. Shackley, Jr.

Cherished grandmother of Rebecca Ann, Victoria Rose, Rachel Perleyte, Norman Henry III, Kyle Christopher, and Travis Anthony; and great-grandmother of Cyleigh Sophia, Alaina Perleyte, Adelene Elma May, Genevieve Kennedy, David Henry, and Mateo Manuel

Sister of Cathy Kleczka of Plainville, James Kennedy of Florida, the late Anita Dexter, Narda Dick, and Francis Kennedy, Jr.

Preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, Francis Kennedy, Sr.

Also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Pearl's Visitation on Saturday, July 20th, 2024, from 9:30 - 11:00 am in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. 

A funeral home service will be held at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Saint Francis Cemetery, Walpole.