Obituary - Shirley Souza, 1938 - 2026

Shirley Ann Johnson Souza, 88, flew with the angels Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at her cozy home with family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Walter Johnson and Rose Belanger Johnson; Holly Ann Souza, daughter; Manuel Francis Souza Jr., husband; lovely Rose “Tootsie” LaPorte, sister; brothers-in-law David and Ernie Souza; and grandson Tyler James Twomey.

Mom married her sweetheart and raised our family with Dad.

She wore many hats, literally and figuratively. Early years -  house cleaning, working at Downyflake.

In 1968, every summer until 1982, Shirley and Dad ran the original Souza’s Seafood on Steamboat Wharf with family, and Souza’s Seafood truck on Main Street with us kids. Lobster Tank on the Wharf, sold seafood.

In 1981, the face of Nantucket would be forever changed. Steamboat Wharf major overhaul. All businesses on the wharf, boats not allowed anymore.

So in 1982, Souza’s Seafood Fish Market opened. Forty-seven years in business. Mom always at the helm!

One summer, Mom caught the biggest striper out of the boat.

She scalloped with Dad and her sons for over 60 years. No easy feat.

Her passion: Flowers, animals.

When Mom and Dad became grandparents, they were excited. Then Mom with all her beautiful great-grands.

Mom said she was so blessed every day to have Tuckernuck. Family, friends helped build Tuckernuck home. Chickens on Tuckernuck, grands collecting eggs for breakfast.

She met so many people from all over.

We all know people came to chat, see Mom, and get seafood. She loved to talk about Nantucket, her flowers.

She was a fishmonger.

In the early years, Sunday afternoons at Great Point every summer. So many fun memories. Tuckernuck is a treasure trove of memories, shared with family!

Shirley had a Tuckernuck way for the party. Each person had a task: fishing, pulling lob-pots, clamming, helping with food, grilling. Scavenger hunts with Lavon and me making the lists for the kids. Mom always loved this.

One of her favorite people was Rookie Ramos. She had many conversations with him, loved seeing him.

Shirley was truly a Nantucketer: a smart, amazing, strong, loving person. An icon and gem to the community.

She leaves behind children Manuel Francis Souza III; Arthur David Souza; Mark John Souza; Sherry Ann Souza; son-in-law Burris Dewane Mooney; grandkids Daniel, Peter and Savannah Twomey; her great-grands ranged from two years old to 20 years. old She loved them deeply.

Her faith in Jesus was so strong.

We are so thankful to the whole community for the help, outpouring of love, and friendship.

We will miss you always, Mom.

Love to Dr. Pearl, staff, and Denise Lockley.

There will be a graveside service for Shirley at noon Saturday, March 28, at St. Mary’s Cemetery.