Shirley Alexandra Tozzi

Shirley Alexandra Tozzi obituary

Shirley Alexandra Tozzi

Shirley Tozzi Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Burke & Blackington Funeral Home on Aug. 15, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Shirley Alexandra Tozzi Martinez, MD

A beloved cornerstone of our family and community.

12/19/1967 – 08/12/2025

More than her titles and accomplishments, Dr. Shirley Tozzi will be remembered for the way she loved –

as a daughter, mother, sister, physician, and friend whose presence was a gift to all who knew her. She

passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 12, 2025, in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Born on December 19, 1967, in Caracas, Venezuela, Shirley grew up with a deep curiosity about the

world and a natural compassion and empathy for others. Her journey in medicine was not just a career,

but a calling – one she embraced with skill, dedication, and heart. Throughout her years of practice, she

touched countless lives, earning the trust and love of her patients and the admiration of her colleagues.

Shirley's love for life extended far beyond her work. She cherished time with her family and loved her

"telerin", found joy in travel and discovery, and approached each day with vibrancy and warmth. Her

laughter was genuine, her kindness effortless, and her spirit unshakable.

Shirley's love and loyalty to her family knew no bounds. She devoted herself to the care of her parents

with steadfast commitment. As a mother, she poured her heart into raising her beloved son, Diego –

sacrificing sleep, working tirelessly, and guiding him with love so that he might grow into an honorable

man. She was equally generous with her support to her family and friends, always ready to nest Andres

and to surround all her loved ones with affection, encouragement and kindness.

Friends became like family under her energetic, loving eye, and she had a remarkable way of making

everyone feel seen, valued, and cherished. Her laughter and vibrant spirit created a light that will never

fade.

Dr. Tozzi earned her medical degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela in 1995 and moved to

Boston for residency at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in Infectious Disease at

Tufts Medical Center. For the past decade, she served as a physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital

and taught medical students, combining clinical excellence with a passion for education. As a doctor, she

was dedicated, brilliant, kind, and caring, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of

knowing her.

She is survived by her loving parents, Rodolfo and Betsy Tozzi; her cherished son, Diego Steyer Tozzi;

Andres Campagna Tozzi, who held a special place in her heart; her devoted sisters, Jelitze Tozzi and

Shanny Tozzi; her treasured nieces, Mariana Arias Tozzi and Ana Cristina Ariza; her nephew, Guillermo

Enrique Ariza; her supportive brother-in-law, Steven Gogonis; and her love, John McGillicuddy.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 17, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Burke & Blackington

Funeral Home, 1479 Washington Street, West Newton, MA. Her Funeral Mass will take place on

Monday, August 18, at 1:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 9 Glen Road, Wellesley,

MA.

Rest in peace, our dear Shirley. You will be missed and forever cherished.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-diegos-future-in-memory-of-shirley

To reach Shanny Tozzi: 954-662-8287

Shirley Alexandra Tozzi Martínez

Un pilar querido de nuestra familia y comunidad.

19/12/1967 – 12/08/2025

Más allá de sus títulos y logros, la Dra. Shirley Tozzi será recordada por la forma en que amó: como hija,

madre, hermana, médica y amiga, cuya presencia fue un regalo para todos los que la conocieron.

Falleció pacíficamente mientras dormía el 12 de agosto de 2025 en Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Nacida el 19 de diciembre de 1967 en Caracas, Venezuela, Shirley creció con una profunda curiosidad

por el mundo y una compasión y empatía naturales hacia los demás. Su camino en la medicina no fue

solo una profesión, sino una vocación, a la que se entregó con habilidad, dedicación y corazón. A lo largo

de sus años de práctica, tocó innumerables vidas, ganándose la confianza y el cariño de sus pacientes y

la admiración de sus colegas.

El amor de Shirley por la vida iba mucho más allá de su trabajo. Atesoraba el tiempo con su familia y

amaba a su "telerín", encontraba alegría en viajar y descubrir, y afrontaba cada día con entusiasmo y

calidez. Su risa era genuina, su bondad natural y su espíritu inquebrantable.

El amor y la lealtad de Shirley hacia su familia no conocían límites. Se dedicó al cuidado de sus padres

con un compromiso inquebrantable. Como madre, entregó su corazón a la crianza de su amado hijo,

Diego: sacrificando el sueño, trabajando incansablemente y guiándolo con amor para que creciera como

un hombre honorable. Igualmente generosa con su apoyo a familiares y amigos, siempre estuvo lista

para acoger a Andrés y rodear a todos sus seres queridos con afecto, aliento y bondad.

Los amigos se convertían en familia bajo su mirada enérgica y amorosa, y tenía una forma extraordinaria

de hacer que todos se sintieran vistos, valorados y queridos. Su risa y su espíritu vibrante crearon una

luz que nunca se apagará.

La Dra. Tozzi obtuvo su título de médico en la Universidad Central de Venezuela en 1995 y se trasladó a

Boston para realizar su residencia en St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, seguida de una beca de

especialización en Enfermedades Infecciosas en Tufts Medical Center. Durante la última década, se

desempeñó como médica en Brigham and Women's Hospital y enseñó a estudiantes de medicina,

combinando la excelencia clínica con su pasión por la educación. Como doctora, fue dedicada, brillante,

amable y compasiva, dejando una huella imborrable en todos los que tuvieron el privilegio de conocerla.

Le sobreviven sus amados padres, Rodolfo y Betsy Tozzi; su querido hijo, Diego Steyer Tozzi; Andrés

Campagna Tozzi, quien ocupó un lugar especial en su corazón; sus devotas hermanas, Jelitze Tozzi y

Shanny Tozzi; sus adoradas sobrinas, Mariana Arias Tozzi y Ana Cristina Ariza; su sobrino, Guillermo

Enrique Ariza; su cuñado, Steven Gogonis; y su amado, John McGillicuddy.

La velación se llevará a cabo el domingo 17 de agosto, de 3:00 p.m. a 7:00 p.m., en Burke & Blackington

Funeral Home, 1479 Washington Street, West Newton, MA. La misa fúnebre se celebrará el lunes 18 de

agosto, a la 1:00 p.m., en St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 9 Glen Road, Wellesley, MA.

Descansa en paz, querida Shirley. Siempre serás extrañada y eternamente recordada.

View All Photos

Add Photos to Memorial

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Shirley Tozzi's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 21, 2025

Sheila Lawrence, MD posted to the memorial.

August 21, 2025

Gertrude Saint-Cyr Bastien posted to the memorial.

August 20, 2025

Nina Kalita posted to the memorial.

Sheila Lawrence, MD

August 21, 2025

I am stunned to hear the news of Shirley's passing. I worked with her at Faulkner and she became my PCP. She was so vibrant and smart and fun to be with. I will miss her. My deepest condolences.

Gertrude Saint-Cyr Bastien

August 21, 2025

The news of your passing Dr. Tozzi fills my heart with sadness, yet i am inspired by the impact of your life. I am grateful for the time we shared and the memories we created. Your warm smile was a beacon of hope and peace. I will be forever thankful for your compassion and empathy, especially during difficulty times. Your legacy will live on in our hearts. Fly high, angel!!!!

Nina Kalita

August 20, 2025

My heart, and my mother's as well, ache as we have just learned of Dr. Shirley Tozzi's passing. I was a former patient of Dr. Tozzi's, and my mom was also under her care, seeing her as recently as February. We extend our deepest condolences and gratitude to her family for sharing their dear Shirley with so many of us. Dr. Tozzi was incredibly caring, passionate, kind, and intelligent. She was thorough and uniquely understood the lives of immigrants and first-generation Americans. We know what a profound loss this is for us and for all who knew her. We wish her family comfort and hope they can find solace in knowing what an extraordinary doctor she was to so many.

Melissa Hernandez

August 20, 2025

My heart is completely shattered hearing this news. Dr. Tozzi has been my primary care physician for many years. I just seen her a few weeks ago and she told me all about her trip to Tahiti with her friend. She was one of the most kindest, loving, knowledgeable, compassionate doctors I´ve ever had. The way she cared about her patients was like no other. She pushed for me so hard and never let anything slide. She saved my life with being so proactive with screening´s and tests. I sit here with tears running down my face at the thought of never seeing her again. Most people don´t like going to doctor´s visits but I would be so excited to see her. She would always give me a big hug and her smile and laugh would light the room up. I can´t imagine the indescribable pain her son Diego and her family must feel. My heart will always hold a special place for Dr. Tozzi. She was an incredible human being. I know her light will continue to shine. Soar so high my beautiful doctor, until we meet again one day.

Carolina Carbona

August 20, 2025

My deepest condolences to your family.

Maritza Benel-Kelley

August 19, 2025

Dr Tozzi´s passing has left me heartbroken,as she was a truly exceptional Dr who showed Dr who Showed genuine concern for her patients´well-being.In a dream I had last Sunday,I felt an over Whelming need to express my gratitude for her tireless efforts on my behalf.Dr Tozzi `s expertise was not limited to Primary care ; she had profound understanding of of various other Medical specialties.I will miss you

Judy Connell 34 jacobs rd Randolph

August 19, 2025

Dr Tozzi was my primary doctor who I loved. She was wonderful, funny, knowledgeable and kind.
May u rest in paradise. I will miss u Judy connell

Jack

August 19, 2025

Dr. Tozzi was my primary care doctor through some of the hardest years of my life and easily my favorite one that I've ever had. A lot of other people here have already expressed the same sentiments I could've included here, but what I'm really impressed by reading this page is just how many other people she managed to help in the same way; it's one thing to be a great doctor for a few people but something else entirely to be that for a whole community of people through times that were so difficult for so many of us. She was a credit to her profession and I have no doubt that she set a fantastic example for the new doctors and nurses who worked alongside her. I hope her family can solace in the fact that she touched more lives in her time with us than most of us ever will.

Trish

August 19, 2025

I am heartbroken to learn the news of Dr. Tozzi´s passing. She was truly one of a kind and the best MD I have ever and probably will ever encounter. I will miss her compassion and her laughter.
Rest in sweet peace Dr. Tozzi.

Jennifer Andrews

August 19, 2025

May you Rest In Peace Dr Tozzi. You will be missed.

Maria Bacigalupo

August 19, 2025

Dear Diego and Family,

I had seen Dr. Tozzi for about 10 years. I followed her to Westwood because she was my favorite primary care physician of all time - and I have been around for a while, so I have known many PCPs. I loved her because she paid attention to my concerns, and she gave me excellent care. She was kind AND competent. I was looking forward to seeing her this fall. She served with dignity and compassion, and she will be missed dearly.

Diego, her love for you transcended family! It appears that she spoke about you to nearly every patient, briefly, but with love and devotion. With a mom like Shirly, you will go far. You were loved deeply and dearly. I know you will never forget the foundation she provided for you.

Blessings to you, her parents, others in her family, her friends, and her colleagues, the community, and MGB, which so deeply needed her exceptional and devoted services. Believe me when I say, Dr. Tozzi is almost irreplaceable. She was one of only a few so attentive physicians.

In sadness,
Maria Bacigalupo

Grady McGuire

August 19, 2025

I'll remember Shirley as a caring physician who always took the time to address all of my concerns, always making room for levity and laughter during our appointments. She was one of a kind and has left a lasting and profound impact on the world she leaves behind. Rest in peace, Dr. T.

Padraig McGillicuddy

August 19, 2025

To Shirley´s family ,friends and those close to me whom she loved, my sincerest condolences at this time.
Your grief I know must feel bottomless and overwhelming and I can only pray that you will find a measure of strength and comfort in the long days , weeks and months to come as you read some of the thoughts here of the people who knew and loved her.
I was blessed to speak to her only once but even then she radiated a kindness , a humour and a gentle energy that made an immediate impression .I work also in her profession and as I read the messages written here by those fortunate enough to have been treated by her it is so evident that she embodied the traits of an exceptional Physician and the qualities of an exceptional human being. She was clearly more than a doctor ;she was a Healer and was truly following her calling in her time on this earth.
My condolences and thoughts are with you all .
Padraig & Trudy
McGillicuddy, Kinsale

Christine Clinton

August 18, 2025

Dr. Tozzi was the best - she was only recently my Mom´s PCP the past two years but was so welcoming, thoughtful, kind and fun ! I accompany my mom to all of her appointments and Dr. Tozzi and I would talk restaurants, plays, travel and clothes. I was heartbroken to hear of her passing. She leaves a deep impact, legacy and heartfelt gratitude. Rest in Peace Dr. Tozzi.

Jackie P.

August 18, 2025

Today, I received the devastating news of Dr Tozzi´s untimely passing. I couldn´t believe it, and I´m heartbroken. She was my primary care doctor since she moved to the Brigham in Westwood. She was one of a kind as a person and as a doctor. We shared memories of Caracas and our love for traditional dishes such as arepas and hallacas, and she always spoke proudly and lovingly of her son. As a doctor, she was the best doctor I´ve ever had. Her bedside manner was unparalleled. As many of her patients have said, she was brilliant, dedicated, thorough, genuine, thoughtful, warm and caring, easy to trust and love.

My sincere and deepest condolences to Dr. Tozzi´s family. My heart goes out to you. May the many cherished memories of her, both yours and those of her many friends and patients, bring you some solace. She touched and made a difference in so many lives.

Descansa en paz mi querida doctora Tozzi. Que Dios te tenga en su Santa Gloria.

Patrice Moore

August 18, 2025

I just want to start by saying I am so sorry to all her family and friends. As a patient of hers she was the best doctor anyone could have. She also became my daughter doctor and treated her with so much kindness and care. I will miss her dearly and know I will never find a doctor any where close to her. My heart hurts and so sad I will never see her again. Rest in sweet peace Dr Tozzi

Jim Roller

August 18, 2025

Dr Tozzi was my PCP for over 10 years. When she made the move from Faulkner Hospital to Westwood, I followed her there because she was an amazing doctor and person.
She was truly involved in my health and care. Something I will always remember her for.

Deanine Bell

August 18, 2025

Dr. Tozzi,

You will be missed!

Your family is in my prayers!

Deanine Bell

Michelle

August 18, 2025

Dr. Tozzi was my primary care provider and one of the best doctors I've ever had. She made me feel seen, heard, and understood-something that's hard to find in a doctor. Dr. Tozzi understood how important it was for me to understand everything, never rushed me, and encouraged all of my questions. Even more importantly, she took the time to truly get to know me and shared her profound love for her family. When I faced a scary and unexpected medical situation, Dr. Tozzi called me after hours to check on me and made sure she was fully informed as my doctor. I genuinely felt she cared about me as a person, and I deeply valued her medical expertise. I'm grateful I had the chance to get to know her because she was a very special person with a beautiful soul and will be sincerely missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and loved ones. I hope some comfort can be found in hearing about how many lives she touched just by being her wonderful self.

Anastasia Schmidt

August 18, 2025

She was the first person who helped in diagnosing my husbands cancer and we found it time and was treated and removed and he is now in remission. She was so kind and helpful said she was just so caring and nice. Thoughts and prayers to her family

Lisa Velasquez

August 18, 2025

Dr Tozzi.
I can´t believe that you left us so soon. I am sad. I will miss you very much. You were the nicest doctor anyone could wish for and you were always so kind and caring to me. I am grateful for the time that you have been my PCP. Descansa en paz y que Dios te tenga en la palma de sus manos siempre.

With love,
Lisa Velasquez

Nancy Brown Pawlyshyn

August 18, 2025

Dr. Tozzi was my PCP and one of the best I have ever had. I felt so cared for and looked after in a medical system that can be very difficult to navigate. She was incredible. She was also so personable and genuine, really cared about me as a woman not just as a patient. Her follow up was incredible. Really very unusual. And her medical advice to me was life-changing.As others have commented, she will be deeply missed by every life she touched. I´m so sorry to her family and her loved ones. I feel your grief. I hope you will find comfort knowing how special she was to so many people.

Melissa D

August 18, 2025

Another patient of Dr. Tozzi's here who is still stunned and shocked by the sad news of her passing. Dr. Tozzi was an incredibly intelligent, empathetic, and compassionate physician and human, and we, her patients, were fortunate to have her on our side. At my last appointment, Dr. Tozzi asked if she could take a picture of me for my EMR, said she liked to have a face to go with the name when she got a message in the Gateway. I said sure, but cracked a joke that my hair was a mess, and she wheeled her chair over and fixed my hair. It was such a sweet moment, and of course I told my friends, who all laughed and said "awww, how nice of her!" Thank you Dr. Tozzi for always taking the time during my appointments and for being so supportive and kind. I hope her family finds a small measure of comfort seeing how much she meant to so many of us.

Julie

August 18, 2025

Dr. Tozzi was my PCP. I saw her about three weeks ago. This news is devastating. She was an incredible doctor and spoke very highly of her son who she cherishes deeply. Thinking of her and her family during this difficult time

Osvaldo

August 18, 2025

Doctor Tozzi was my Primary Care doctor for many years. I followed her from hospital to hospital, and she never gave up on me.

She saved my life by turning my health around. She truly cared about her work and the people she served.

This news is devastating, and I am deeply saddened. I will miss her forever.

To Diego - your mother loved you so much. She spoke of you highly and with such pride. Stay strong for her, and find what you love and pursue it, just as she did.

Gone, but never forgotten.

Janice Schmidt

August 18, 2025

Dr. Tozzi was PCP for me and my two daughters. She was a very talented, compassionate and approachable physician. I followed her from the Faulkner to her Westwood office. I've seen many comments about her son. She did talk about him and he was obviously the light of her life. She will be missed.

Luz Santos

August 18, 2025

Dr.Tozzi was the best primary care doctor I´ve had. Very sad

Rischa Mayes

August 18, 2025

Dr Tozzi was my Primary Care Physician a lot less than most but after our first encounter, I felt like I´ve known her for a very long time. She was the most genuine, caring, compassionate physician who listened and worked with you to give the best optimal care. She has been taken away from all of us much too soon! My condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and co-workers. The effects she left in everyone´s life and in healthcare will never be forgotten!
Thank you Dr. Tozzi!

ML Dunn

August 18, 2025

I would like Shirley Tozzi's family to know that her life mattered to me. Shirley was my Doc for a number of years. I found her to be caring, funny, smart as a whip, and patient. I will miss her.

Erica

August 18, 2025

I was just seen by you 1 month ago. You always made time for me and listened to all my medical concerns. Never dismissed me or made me feel like I didn´t understand my own body. I found you by the grace of god. An angel that listened and treated her patients with respect and care. You will truly be missed.

My condolences to your family and coworkers.

-Dios te Bendiga, mi Santa

Christine Buteau

August 18, 2025

Although I only met her once as my previous PCP , this is very sad to hear. She was too young. My deepest condolences to her family. To everyone who loved her. I hope you can find comfort during this sad time.

Alexander Weingart

August 18, 2025

Dr. Tozzi, you were the best. You always listed, and more so, you truly cared. Thanks for always being there, doc! - Alex Weingart

Kaitlyn Edwards

August 18, 2025

I´m so incredibly sad to hear this news and my heart and prayers are with Dr. Tozzi´s family and friends. She was my primary and honestly, the first doctor I ever really trusted. She advocated for me and listened to me like a human first and foremost. She empathized with my sadness, encouraged me on my journey, and made me feel truly seen and cared for. I always looked forward to seeing her. I can imagine if she was able to make her patients feel like family, how heartbroken her actual family is at this time. She was such a special woman. My deepest condolences.. -Kaitlyn Edwards

Edith M. Sorrell

August 18, 2025

Rest In Heavenly Peace

Lynn Walker Levy

August 18, 2025

I just received the news of Dr. Tozzi´s passing. She was my doctor and I am so sad for everyone. She was a treasure. It is so hard to find a warm compassionate caring doctor who truly has your best interests. And she was that person. My thoughts and prayers to her entire family. Lynn Levy

Paul Levine

August 18, 2025

My condolences to Dr Tozzi's family.
Dr Tozzi was my PCP for 9 years. She was the best doctor I ever had. Always there to support anything I needed. Always with a smile.
Always got back to me.
She was the best!!
She will be missed.

Melissa

August 18, 2025

To the Tozzi family, I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Tozzi was the best doctor I have ever had. Before I started seeing her several years ago, I absolutely dreaded going to the doctor. Once I became Dr. Tozzi´s patient, I loved going and even looked forward to it! She was kind, caring and funny. We had many conversations about our lives, especially about her son, who she loved so deeply. She will always be with him. I will miss her.

Jane Eisenberg

August 18, 2025

I am shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Tozzi. She was my primary care physician for the past 8 or 9 years and I will miss her terribly. She was always caring and supportive and I especially valued her knowledge of infectious diseases. My condolences go out to her family and friends. She is irreplaceable and will be missed.

Letyamil

August 18, 2025

Shirly, you will be soo missed. I can´t believe it still. You were a great human and you always put a smile on me.

Evoney Chung

August 18, 2025

Dr. Tozzi, you were one of the best doctors I have ever had. It saddens me that I was not able to say goodbye God needed your help! I will miss you and THANK YOU FOR BEING AN AMAZING PERSON and A CARING PHYSICIAN WHO LISTENED TO YOUR PATIENTS!!! My heartfelt condolences to your family

Janet M Halloran

August 18, 2025

My heart is broken. I loved Shirley as a friend that looked out for me and not just my doctor. She said I reminded her mother who is 85 and I am 81
She was an amazing woman. My thoughts and prayers go out to her son and parents. What a great loss

Sandra Webber

August 18, 2025

I just found out about Dr. Tozzi´s untimely death. Shirley (she was like a friend) has been my PCP since she came to Brigham in Westwood. She was simply the best. I am so sad to hear this news. My condolences to her family, especially her son, who she loved dearly. We shared many wonderful conversations, both personally and professionally. I will miss her greatly. Rest in Peace.
Sandra Webber

Lelia Baier

August 18, 2025

I met Dr Tozzi several years ago as my PCP. And I immediately fell in love with her as a doctor and as a woman. She took the time to listen and care for me, even during my most difficult times, calling me at home with support and encouragement.
I just learned the news of her untimely passing today, with shock and sorrow for her son, family, friends and patients. She will be missed by all, including me. My heart is broken. May she rest in peace in God´s arms.

Lela Baier

Lyra

August 18, 2025

My condolences to her friends and family. She was such a wonderful doctor and helped alot of people including me. I hope her forever rest will be peaceful as she was such a kind and caring person. God please bless her and take care of her soul.

Michael and Theresa Federico

August 18, 2025

My husband is a patient of Dr. Tozzi and is so sad to here she has passed. He met Dr. Tozzi a few years ago after his primary MD for over 20 years retired. As a Man in his 60's he had no issue having a woman doctor. In fact, he raved about her and how comfortable she made him feel. We send our sincere condolences to Dr. Tozzi's family during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.

Brian McGillicuddy

August 17, 2025

My sincerest sympathies to Shirleys family and friends and to my brother John. Shirleys untimely passing is such a shock to us all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad and heart breaking time . May Shirley Rest In Peace.

Joanne Mc Gillicuddy

August 17, 2025

Our sincere sympathies to all of Shirley´s family. We cannot imagine the sadness and loss that you feel at this very sad time. It is clear that Shirley was deeply loved by those around her and she touched many lives with kindness and care.

Please know that we are holding you in our thoughts and sending you strength, love, and comfort during this incredibly difficult time.

Joanne Mc Gillicuddy, Tom, Aoibhinn & Conor Corcoran. ( John´s sister).

Eleanor McGillicuddy

August 17, 2025

My most heartfelt sympathies to Shirley´s family and all of those who loved her. I sadly did not have the pleasure of meeting Shirley but it´s clear she was very much loved and that she touched so many hearts along her journey in life.

My thoughts and prayers are with all who are grieving and I wish you comfort in the days ahead.

Eleanor McGillicuddy & family (John´s sister)
XXX

Ludger Goeminne & Zühal Duran Goeminne

August 17, 2025

Dear Shirly

Your untimely passing away came as a big shock to Zühal and me.
I first met you as my general practitioner in November last year, and as someone who is relatively new here, I immediately liked your clever ways to deal with the complicated US healthcare system. You were pleased that my health was "boringly normal" :) We talked about how you were planning to visit Istanbul and that you were unsure if you would go or not because you were doubting whether it would be safe to go all alone. I told you my wife is from Turkey and she has sisters living there, so we exchanged numbers, and you made the trip and shared some pictures with Zühal's sisters. "Everything happens for a reason", as you said, but we cannot understand why you had to leave us so early.

We met again barely 2 weeks ago, on July 30th, when Zühal invited you for a Turkish dinner at our home with her mother and sister. We had such a good time. We talked about personal things like your son and the nice Irish man you were dating, about your upcoming travel plans (e.g. Aruba, which we have visited before), and about ordinary things like how the lighting panels we have in our house could also be a useful addition to your home office in your basement. You were so full of life and you looked so happy and healthy. We really don't understand why you left so early, you were only 58 years old. We feel like we made a good connection with you, and even if I only saw you twice, and Zühal once, it feels like we lost a good friend.

Rest peacefully, dear Shirly, we will miss you.

Zühal and Ludger

Shanny

August 16, 2025

I will miss you everyday of my life.

Showing 1 - 50 of 50 results

Burke & Blackington Funeral Home

1479 Washington St, West Newton, MA 02465

Make a Donation
in Shirley Tozzi's name

How to support Shirley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Shirley Tozzi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Shirley Tozzi's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 21, 2025

Sheila Lawrence, MD posted to the memorial.

August 21, 2025

Gertrude Saint-Cyr Bastien posted to the memorial.

August 20, 2025

Nina Kalita posted to the memorial.