Shirley Lawler McPherson

PITTSFIELD -- Shirley Lawler McPherson, 88, died peacefully on Sunday, May 1, at her granddaughter's home in Pittsfield. She was born on Jan. 30, 1923, in Jackson, to the late Henry and Annie (Goodnow) Lawler, Sr.

Shirley spent her early childhood in Jackson and Camden. After moving to Pittsfield at the age of 8, she attended Pittsfield schools and later graduated from Maine Central Institute, as the valedictorian of her class, in 1941. She then attended Beal Business College, graduating in 1943.

She served our country in the 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 become a favorite past time. She crafted many rugs over 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 over 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 husband Michael Starbird, of Pittsfield, Terin Holbrook Zebarth and husband Tasso, of Austin, Texas and Jennie Holbrook and 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; and 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 the Village Cemetery in Pittsfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley's memory to the Paul E. Bertrand Public Pool; or to Pittsfield Public Library, c/o the Town of Pittsfield, 112 Somerset Ave., Pittsfield, ME 04967.

To leave a message of kindness for the family, please visit www.shoreynichols.com.

Care for the family has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield.