WESTBROOK – Shirley Mae (Tedford) Rankin, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great, great grandmother, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on May 26, 2023.

Shirley was born on Nov. 1, 1931, in Westbrook, to Milo and Clara (Rockwell) Tedford, the third of seven children. A life-long resident of Westbrook, she graduated from Westbrook High School in 1950. She married Perry W. Rankin. They shared 45 years together raising six children on the “family farm” on Methodist Road.

Shirley was a devoted wife and mother as well as a surrogate mother to many. She cared deeply for her family and possessed a sweet demeanor and winsome smile. Her signature gift of hospitality was shared with all who crossed her doorstep. She will long be remembered for her strong faith in God, her home-cooked meals, gardening, and canning skills, and for being a loving caretaker to many.

She is survived by her children Sheila (Phil), Daniel (Sherri), Sharon (Rebecca), Stephen (Pam), and Timothy (Cissy); 12 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; her sister Rachel, brother Marshall; her companion, Francis Brown; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Rev. Perry Rankin; son Thomas; grandson Willie; sisters Mary and Rebecca, brothers Lloyd and Frederick.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 on Friday, June 2 at Emmanuel Assembly of God, 1571 Washington Ave. Portland Maine. Visiting hours will be at the church from 10:30 – 11:30. A reception will follow the service. Interment will be private at the Rankin Family Cemetery. To express condolences or participate in Shirley’s online tribute, please visit http://www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com

In lieu of flowers,

memorial contributions may be made to:

Emmanuel Assembly

of God

Westbrook Family

Feeding Families

28 Stroudwater St.

Westbrook, ME 04092 or;

Windham Hill United Church of Christ

140 Windham Center Rd.

Windham, ME 04062



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