Shirley M. Hardcastle

Shirley M. Hardcastle passed away on December 30, 2025. She was 71 years old. Born in Springfield on April 9, 1954, she was an only child, born to the late Samuel and Shirley Hardcastle. She was raised in West Springfield and lived there until moving to Agawam with her life long partner Joseph Cristoforo 30 years ago.

Shirley obtained an Associates Degree from Holyoke Community College and worked for many years as a Mammography Technician at Noble Hospital and finished her career at Baystate Medical Center. She was an avid knitter and made countless socks, hats, scarves and sweaters and enjoyed socializing with her knitting group. Her knitting friends always went above and beyond for her in a time of need. Shirley also enjoyed attending Springfield Thunderbirds hockey games with her husband Joe Cristoforo. She loved Joe unconditionally and took great care of him during the 35 years they were together. Shirley loved feeding the birds, her cats, and her dogs. She was a devoted pet owner over the years to her Corgis, Rotweilers and Greyhounds.

Shirley will be missed by her loving partner Joseph Cristoforo of Agawam, as well as Joesph’s father Robert Cristoforo of West Springfield, brother John Cristoforo and his wife Paula of Hadley and their three children Kari Howlett (husband Andrew), Caroline and Kelsea Cristoforo. She will also be missed dearly by her great cousin Sean Mason of Northfield and many other loving cousins.

A Wake will be from 9-11am on Wednesday, January 7 at TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, with a funeral service at 11am followed by burial at St. Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Westfield Animal Shelter. See toomeyobrien.com for updates.