Shirley Ann Boone

Shirley Ann Goulette Boone, 87, died on May 8, 2022 after a brief illness. Having lost her own mom at the tender age of 9, it's fitting that she departed this life on Mother's Day, as she embraced the role of mother, grandmother, and mother figure to so many.

A lifelong resident of Skowhegan, Maine, she married Richard "Dick" Boone in 1954, and thus began 67 years of marriage during which she "sometimes wanted to kill him but never wanted to divorce him." Their devoted partnership continues to set the standard to which her family aspires.

She is survived by her husband Dick, beloved sons Aaron Boone and wife Deb of Seneca, South Carolina and Scott Boone and wife Sarah of Scarborough, Maine; cherished grandchildren Jackie (Boone) Lee and husband Chris, Gregory Boone and wife Kellie, Nikolas Carey and wife Peyton, Evan Carey, Harrison Boone, and Charlotte Boone; and a host of extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her four brothers, Donald, Gerald, Larry and Richard.

Creative, resilient, and occasionally mischievous, Shirley embraced every opportunity for adventure that came her way. From neighborhood Halloween parties in the family garage to Christmas-in-July festivities at Abnaki Campground; potluck suppers with her winter community in Zephyrhills, Florida to evenings playing games around the kitchen table, Shirley created fun wherever she went. A wicked card shark who was similarly spirited about bingo and bowling, Shirley's competitive streak was legendary, matched only by her sense of humor. Her celebrations were equally as enthusiastic no matter who won.

Shirley was a gifted artist and a hard worker who was generous with her time and talents. Her intricate doilies and hand-painted wood or ceramic creations graced the homes of most of Skowhegan and beyond. Generations of family and friends will remain wrapped in her love courtesy of her cozy crocheted blankets, knitted for every milestone from birth to marriage. A longtime volunteer for several local causes, Shirley was also a lifelong supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Shirley loved sunflowers and cardinals, and never missed a chance to celebrate life. Her calendar of holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries was full; she made sure to acknowledge every occasion for each of her loved ones and delighted in receiving cards, messages, and phone calls, especially as it became more difficult to visit personally in recent years.

At her request, there will be no funeral or visiting hours. Burial will be in the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta. Should you wish to honor Shirley's legacy, please send a card to a friend for no reason, pause to admire a cardinal alight in the sky, or plant a sunflower in your garden. Memorial contributions can also be made to the Shirley Boone Memorial Fund, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.