Shirley May (France) Setters,
79, of Somerset, MA died peacefully on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. Born in Fall River, she was a daughter of the late Walter J. France and Florence L. (Manchester) France. She was the wife of the late Donald P. Setters, Sr.
Shirley Setters was a homemaker; devoted wife and mother. A long time resident of Somerset, Shirley was an endurance swimming champion, setting multiple world records. She swam Lake Sinclair, MI, Lake George, NY, and Coney Island, NY where over a million people were in attendance. Her most widely publicized swim was her attempt at the English Channel.
Mrs. Setters worked as a hat model for the Brewster Hat Company of New York, a local disc jockey for WSAR's Juke Box Matinee, starred on the TV series "The Wife and I" WJAR-TV Providence, and gave swimming lessons at the Fall River YMCA. Her many interests included watching tennis and baseball, boating, antiques, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the Catholic Memorial Home of Fall River for providing not only finest care and service but genuine love and compassion to Shirley during her final years.
She leaves her five children; Scott Smith, Daryl Smith, Shelby Smith, Donald Setters Jr., and Daniel Setters, along with 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is the oldest sister of the late Marilyn Van Pelt, Carla Phillips of California, and John W. France of Florida.
Her funeral and burial in Gibbs Cemetery, Somerset, MA will be private. Calling hours are respectfully omitted.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory to the Catholic Memorial Home, 2446 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720 will be greatly appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD.
Please contact Donald P. Setters, Jr. with any questions or stories about Shirley May (France) Setters at 774-273-0580
