She was born in Winthrop, ME on March 26, 1918, a daughter of Hollis M. and Cora Frances (Hopkins) Shaw Sr.
Shirley was a 1936 graduate of Amesbury High in MA and graduated as a registered nurse from the Stamford, CT Hospital School of Nursing in 1939. She first worked at the Cambridge City Hospital in MA and then in Portsmouth and Exeter Hospitals in NH. Shirley’s last nursing assignment was as a school nurse at Phillips Exeter Academy where she worked for 15 years, retiring in 1988. In addition to her nursing career she helped her husband build and operate the family business, the Hampton Beach Marina in Hampton, NH.
She was a member of Hampton Congregational Church where she taught Sunday School. She was also a member of the Eastern Star.
Shirley had many interests but especially enjoyed boating, camping, bird watching and reading. She also spent much of her time sewing, knitting and cooking for family and friends. In spite of her failing health she was still able to go camping last summer with most of her family present. She was known as "Guggie" to her grandchildren and their friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, George A. Smith Sr., her sister, Dorothy M. Shaw and her brother, Hollis M. Shaw.
She is survived by two sons, George A. Smith Jr. and his wife Linda of Topsham, and Leigh V. Smith and his wife Carol of Portsmouth, NH, one daughter, Beverly S. Fitzpatrick and her husband John of Brunswick, ME, nine grandchildren, Ammon Smith, Leah Trotter, Kaleigh Brooks, Christopher Smith, Alexandra Buchalski, Jennifer Wade, John Fitzpatrick Jr., Jillian Fitzpatrick and Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Shirley lived and loved life and each person that knew her understood she made their world a happier place. She will be greatly missed by all.
It was her wish that there be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at Hampton Cemetery in Hampton, NH at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to CHANS Home Health Care, 45 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, 04011 or the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, Me 04086. Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath.
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