BRUNSWICK – Shirley C. Jefferson, 82, of Thornton Hall, died at Mid-Coast Hospital on Friday, June 22.

She was born in Lewiston on July 4, 1924, the daughter of Charles and Hazel Bigelow Cushman. She was educated in Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School.

During a childhood summer in her beloved South Harpswell, she met Joseph Jefferson from New York. They would later marry on Dec. 29, 1944 in Wilmington, Del. Together they raised their four children, living in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois and Maine.

She was an avid reader and gardener who also enjoyed quilting, film, history and travel. She held a deep fondness for pets, especially her standard poodles. An excellent cook, she was happiest when surrounded by her family and the coastal landscape that she loved.

She had been a resident at Thornton Hall for three years and she appreciated the care and respect she received there. She was a member of the Elijah Kellogg Congregational Church in Harpswell and the Red Hat Society of Brunswick.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph of Brunswick; one daughter, JoAnne, and her husband, Francis Havener, of Brunswick; three sons, William Jefferson, and his wife, Bevin Engman, of Winslow, Peter Jefferson, and daughter-in-law, Peggy Jefferson, of Seattle, Wash., and David Jefferson, and his wife, Christine Kiley, of Portland; six grandchildren, Lori Nansi, Kathryn Laibinis, Lesley Harbison, Larkin Jefferson, Chelsea Jefferson and Luke Jefferson; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Helen Dyke of New York; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by three brothers, Richard, Charles and Robert Cushman.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of the ICU at Mid-Coast Hospital for their professionalism, great compassion and support.