EASTPORT – Shirley Wakefield Dudley passed away quietly the morning of Oct. 20, 2010. She was born in Bath and was salutatorian of her class at Wiscasset Academy in 1947. She shared her birthday with her great-grandson, Connor – they celebrated her 80th and his eighth birthdays with a surprise party in August with dear friends and loved ones. In the early years, Shirley sold Avon, worked in the sardine industry and at Guilford Woolen Mill. In the 1970s, she and her late husband, Gerald, owned and operated Oceanview Bakery. She will be remembered by many for her incredible baking which, next to her family, was her greatest joy. For many years Shirley wintered in Florida with her “Florida family,” and would look forward to it every year. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Alice (Justison) Wakefield; her husband, Gerald H. Dudley Sr.; son, Larry Allen Dudley; stepsons, Gerald H. Dudley Jr. and Stephen J. Dudley; and her brothers, Wallace and Robert Wakefield. Shirley is survived by her loving daughter and son, Linda E. Dudley and Brian L. Dudley; her sister, Bertha Wakefield Johnson; sisters-in-law, Nora (Haywood) Wakefield and Rheta Dudley Bator; stepdaughters, Elaine Spinney and Catherine Chahanovich; her grandchildren, Samantha Dudley and son, Connor Reynolds, Stacy Dudley and son, Avery Townsend, Mary (Small) Brillard, Sheila Small, Vicki (Small) Turner, Loring A. Small and Polly (Small) Sullivan, and all their wonderful families; many other grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A special thank you to her granddaughters, Caryn Vinson and her husband, Matt, Polly Sullivan and Samantha Dudley, for all of their support and help during Shirley’s last days. Also eternal gratitude to Dr. Brazier, the emergency room staff and the exceptional people in the special care unit at Calais Regional Hospital. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at Eastport Youth Center. There will be a graveside service for family and special friends 2 p.m. Oct. 30 at Hillside Cemetery, Eastport.
SHIRLEY WAKEFIELD DUDLEY
