HERMON – Shirley M. Carlson, 87, died Feb. 11, 2005, at her home. She was born Sept. 17, 1917, in Guilford, the daughter of Linwood M. Priest and Helen J. (Emerson) Priest. She attended Guilford schools. She worked as a banquet waitress at the Elmwood Hotel in Waterville during the 1950’s before making her home of 24 years at Moosehead Marina, Rockwood. She spent many summer days fighting her proverbial nemesis, the black fly and picking berries with her very close friend, Kay Loiselle. In later years, she gained enormous pleasure from all who came to visit, especially the young people. They kept her smiling. Her feline companion, “Meirs da whiskers” (her “bubba”), always gave her love and affection, especially when he saw her with his hair brush. She loved her birds and their daily visits and heaven forbid if the feeders were empty. Thank you, Shirley, for the wonderful care and love you showered upon your family. She and her love, Gordon Carlson, showed us, by their own example, how to love. She is survived by three siblings, brother, Harold Priest and wife, Cecelia, sister, Hilda Lankist, and sister, Ethel Hersey; and by brothers-in-law, George Carlson and Henry Carlson and wife, Lottie. She is also survived by three daughters, Helen Bourget and husband, Pete, Betty Parsons and husband, Linwood, Susan Sarto and husband, Rick. In addition, she is survived by 10 grandchildren, James Begin and wife, Karen, Joey Bourget and wife, Sandy, Kim Larrabee and husband, David, Ann Flynn, Steve Todd, Lynn Mason and husband, Bruce, Susanne L’Italien and husband, Steve, Robert Carlson and wife, Gail, Annette Archer, Kristina Welch and husband, Donny, and by 19 great-grandchildren, Jason, Emma Renee, Heather, Samantha, Ranae, Garrett, Maggie, Shirley, Marina, Jessi, Derick, Kehle, Julianna, Katie, Jessica, Mary, Aericka, Tyler, and Storey; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon H. Carlson; and sister, Margaret A. Gavett. The spiritual support during the last few years of her life, of fellow mother-in-law, Alice “Ma” Sarto, was very much appreciated by her family. A memorial service will be held noon Saturday, May 28, 2005, at the Monson United Church of Christ in Monson, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Bangor Area Visiting Nurses, Hospice of Eastern Maine, 885 Union St, Suite 250, Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home.
SHIRLEY M. CARLSON
