PITTSFIELD – Shirley Lawler McPherson, 88, died peacefully Sunday, May 1, 2011, at her granddaughter’s home in Pittsfield. She was born Jan. 30, 1923, in Jackson, daughter of the late Henry and Annie (Goodnow) Lawler Sr.
Shirley spent her early childhood in Jackson and Camden. After moving to Pittsfield at age 8, she attended Pittsfield schools and later graduated from Maine Central Institute, as valedictorian of the Class of 1941. She then attended Beal Business College, graduating in 1943. She served our country in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Women’s Reserve, for more than two years, from 1944 to 1946. Shortly after discharge, Shirley met and married Sherman McPherson in 1947. Together they built a life in Pittsfield, where they raised two children, Randall “Randy” McPherson and Sheralyn “Sherry” McPherson Holbrook. Along with raising their children and caring for her mother, Shirley worked in office administration at Pittsfield Industries for eight years and later went on to work at Pittsfield Coal & Oil Co. until her retirement in 1985. She was an avid reader and there wasn’t a crossword puzzle that she couldn’t solve with ease. Shirley was a very talented, meticulous individual; she learned the art of rug braiding, which became a favorite pastime. She crafted many rugs throughout the years that have been enjoyed by her family in her home and in theirs. She enjoyed teaching and playing many card games with her family and friends throughout the years, especially cribbage. Shirley loved the outdoors. She walked daily and loved taking her granddaughters in search of wild flowers and always knew right where to find a “Lady Slipper.” In most recent years she enjoyed the company of her great-grandson, Randy, playing checkers and going for walks in Mason Park.
She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Holbrook of Blue Hill; her daughter-in-law, Ginger McPherson Russell; her three granddaughters, Amy McPherson and her husband, Michael Starbird, of Pittsfield, Terin Holbrook Zebarth and her husband, Tasso, of Austin, Texas, and Jennie Holbrook and her companion, Glenn Mirlocca, of New Portland; her great-grandson, Randall “Randy” Starbird; three half brothers, Rexford Knowles and Phillip Knowles, both of Unity Plantation and Henry Lawler Jr. of Bangor; a half sister, Mary Ellen Bowden of Orrington; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years Sherman McPherson, in 1997; her son, Randall “Randy” McPherson, in 1997; a brother, Norman Lawler Sr.; and a sister, Hazel Lawler DuDevoir.
A graveside service will be held in June at Village Cemetery, Pittsfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to the Paul E. Bertrand Public Pool or Pittsfield Public Library, care of Town of Pittsfield, 112 Somerset Ave., Pittsfield, ME 04967. Care for the family has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield. To leave a message of kindness for the family, please visit
www.shoreynichols.com.