Naugatuck, CT Shirley L. Stopper, 82, beloved wife of William A. Stopper, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at Marbridge Assisted Living surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley was born May 20, 1944 in Waterbury, CT, daughter of the late Edward and Muriel (Happy) Longo. She lived in Naugatuck all of her life and worked as a sales associate for many years at Pepperidge Card Shoppe. She also worked at The Great White Way in Watertown as a bridal consultant with a passion for working with brides-to-be.

One of her most outstanding attributes was her ability to brighten up any room she entered. She and Bill strived to make each other happy by continually showing their unconditional love for one another. She loved spending time with and cooking meals for her family. Summers spent in Cape Cod with her loved ones were priceless to her. She enjoyed taking part in her grandchildren’s most important moments. She was a truly dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who always put her family first. Her devout faith to the Catholic Church was an important part of her life. Shirley enjoyed yoga, crocheting, sewing and eating out with her best friends.

In addition to Bill, her husband of 62 years, Shirley is survived by her 2 brothers, Ronald Longo and wife Roberta of Naugatuck and Edward Longo and wife Denise of Lake Forest, California. She is survived by her daughter Kristen Sulzman (Stopper) and her husband Christopher of Ridgeland, SC, daughter Karie Stango (Stopper) of Oakville and son Mark Stopper and wife Stephanie of Wallingford. She was a devoted grandmother to 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate Shirley’s life on Monday, October 12, 2026 from 3:00 to 5:00pm, with a Service beginning at 5:00pm at the Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. Burial will be private.