Shirley M. (Guptill) Grant

Shirley M. Grant passed away peacefully, Saturday, August 8, 2020 at St. Ann’s Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Dover after a period of declining health.

She was born June 27, 1935 in South Berwick, the only child of William and Doris (Littlefield) Guptill.  She was a 1953 graduate of North Berwick High School.

Shirley married the love of her life, Robert H. Grant in 1955 and they made a happy home on Maple Street for 65 years.  She worked at Ross Furniture after high school until the birth of their first child in 1958.  At that time, she happily became a full-time wife and mother, welcoming 3 more children into their family over the ensuing years.

Shirley loved theater and music, having grown up with musical parents and attending Beaver Dam Grange during its heyday.  She was a season ticket holder to all of the area playhouses.  At Christmas she would take her daughters into Portland to see the Magic of Christmas, a tradition that will be missed by them all.

She was a member of the North Berwick Historical Society and enjoyed the Spring Tea Social.  Shirley had a vast knowledge of North Berwick and its older families.  She had a love of words and was an avid reader and puzzle solver.  She was a decent artist in her own right and a master at wall papering.  She decorated doll carriages and pedal tractors for her children to participate in Fireman’s Field Day events. She was a girl scout leader, room mother and care-taker to young and old.

As a family, the Grant’s enjoyed camping throughout New England and swimming at the cottage on Bauneg Beg.  Snowmobiling at the farm on Oakwoods Road where many a pine cone fight was waged.

Shirley was a member of the Eastern Star, Red Hat Society and Bethel Christian Church, where she was baptized several years ago.

She was very proud of her family and always supported their various endeavors; and we were proud to be part of a great group of kids being raised on Maple Street.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Robert; three daughters, Susan MacDougall (Danny) of North Berwick, Patricia Smith (Steve) of Middleborough, MA, Lisa Lemieux (Jon) of Hickory, NC and one son, Peter Grant (Linda) of Berwick. Seven grandchildren, Ryan MacDougall (Tamara Monroe), Mitchell MacDougall (Sasha), Kayla Grant (Devyn Cooper), Indya Grant (Devyn Calvert) Jen Laurent (Dennis), Jamie Lavigne (Matt) and Jason Saucier (Loretta).  Ten great-grandchildren, Ezra MacDougall, Harley & Lincoln Cooper, Corinna Halteman, Mirabelle and Cedar Laurent, Malia & Stella Lavigne, Slayter and Cecilia Saucier; one great-great grandchild, Jackson.  Last but certainly not least, two beloved pets, Gracie and Tobey.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Ann’s for keeping mom safe and happy these past few months during these challenging times.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 12 at 11am in the Hillside Cemetery, North Berwick.

Family flowers only.  Friends who wish are encouraged to donate to the North Berwick Historical Society, P.O. Box 477, North Berwick, ME 03906 on Shirley’s behalf.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Johnson Funeral Home, North Berwick where condolences may be expressed at www.JohnsonFuneralHomeME.com

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