VIVIAN E. SHAKESPEARE

NEWBURGH - Vivian E. Shakespeare, 92, passed away peacefully April 15, 2012, surrounded by her loving family at her home. Vivian was born Sept. 14, 1919, in Sterling, Mass., to the late Harold J. and Ida M. (Crossman) Perkins. Vivian was a graduate of Leominster High School, class of 1937. She then married N. William G. Shakespeare, in 1941 and shared many years of marriage until Bill's death in 2010. Vivian worked several part-time jobs throughout her life, but was most of all a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She took great pride in raising their three children, keeping the home clean, meals cooked and even the lawn mowed. Being the devoted family woman that Vivian was, she couldn't wait for summers so that she could have her grandchildren for weeks on end, often taking them to camp on Stetson Pond where there are many fond memories. Vivian was an avid gardener, and enjoyed spending many hours in her flower, vegetable and herb gardens. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Vivian is survived by her son, William W. Shakespeare and his wife, Rachel, of Hampden; two daughters, Dolores Cross and her husband, Robert, of Feeding Hills, Mass., and Linda Shear and her husband, Lee, of Tampa, Fla.; one sister, Lillian Arbo of Fitchburg, Mass.; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents; one sister, Greta Greene; and two brothers, Norman and Everett Perkins. The family thanks Gentiva and especially New Hope Hospice for their compassionate care during Vivian's illness. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, with the Rev. Susan Davenport officiating. Memorial contributions in Vivian's honor may be made to New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 757, Holden, ME 04429. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.


This obituary was originally published in the BDN Maine.