Shirley S. Castine

1935 - 2025

Shirley (Starkey) Castine passed away November 19th in the comfort of her home surrounded by family. She was born at home August 5, 1935 to William A Starkey and Myrtle E (Joslyn ) Starkey in Hinsdale NH. She graduated from Hinsdale high school in 1953. After graduation she began her career as a bookkeeper at Baker's Book Store in Brattleboro and later continued her profession at The Grand Union in Brattleboro and Hannaford's in Keene where she retired in 2011. She married Herbert J Castine in 1960. She often told people that her greatest accomplishment in life was her children and later her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her favorite thing was to spend time with her family, especially at the family camp in Rupert Vt. She loved the ocean and was an avid reader. She was very adventurous and loved stepping out of her comfort zone to do fun things with her family. She was known as "Mom" to all of the kids that spent so much time at the family home while her kids were growing up.

Shirley is survived by her son Scott Castine and Cindy of Vernon VT. Her daughter Vickie Castine-Donovan and Rick of Swanzey NH. Her grandchildren Sierra Sargent and Derek and their son Lee of West Haven UT. Jacob Castine and Aubry of Portland OR. Trevor Knight and Victoria of Portland OR. Leah Gutierrez and David and children of Fort Riley KS. Eric Donovan and Juliette of Milpitas CA. Nikki Eberhart and Brian and children of Athens AL and many nieces and nephews. Also her grand-dog Maddie. A special mention to her niece Cathy McCarthy and John.

In addition to her parents Shirley is pre deceased by her X husband Herbert J Castine and all of her siblings. William Starkey Jr, Christine Kennedy, Joyce Bonneau, Robert Starkey, and Bernard Starkey. Shirley was orphaned at the age of 5 and the Starkey kids were the first family on record in the state of NH to be allowed to remain together. She was raised by her siblings. Shirley was humble, loving and sweet. She was a true lady. She was loved by all who met her and her loving family will miss her beyond words.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday Dec 5th at the VFW Post 1034 40 Black Mountain Rd Brattleboro, VT at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bayada Home Health 28 Vernon St Suite 327 Brattleboro, VT. Special thanx from Shirley's family to The Bradley House and Bayada Hospice.