AMHERST - Shirley I. (Bridges) Lauder, 79, of Ward Street in Amherst, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, at Elaine Nursing Home in Hadley.

Born Sept. 18, 1930, in Easthampton, she was the daughter of Clarence and Thelma Bridges. She will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 57 years, Harry; her three children, Jean and her husband, Gary, of Hadley, David and his wife, Vickie, of Shutesbury, and Tracey of Dover, N.H.; her treasured grandchildren, Amanda and Lisa of Hadley; her brother, Leslie, and his wife, Peg, of Montague; and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her sister, Terry Tetreault.

Shirley worked at Louis Foods in Amherst for more than 20 years, where she enjoyed her time with co-workers and customers. She was an avid knitter with a love of nature that she was happy to share with family and friends - from what was blooming in her garden to "who" was at the bird feeder to taking walks in the woods to look for lady slippers. She was a communicant of St. Brigid's Church in Amherst.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in St. Brigid's. Burial will follow in North Amherst Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 264 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104.

Obituary and register at www.douglassfuneral.com.