NORTH WINDHAM — Cecilia Rafuse Shurtleff, 96, formerly of Rumford and also for more than 20 years in South Berwick, went to be with her Lord Saturday, Nov. 20, at her residence at the Ledgewood Manor.

She was born in Rumford, Jan. 22, 1914, the daughter of Ashley and Annie (Veinotte) Rafuse. She graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford and Farmington State Teachers College and received her masters in education from the University of Maine at Orono in 1954, and her Certificate of Advanced Study at University of Maine at Orono in 1959. She taught school in Peru, Mexico and Rumford for more than 45 years until retirement in 1979.

She was an active former member of the Rumford First Baptist Church and had attended the First Congregational Church of Dover, N.H. She was a member of the Maine Education Association and the Maine Retired Teachers Association. She loved square dancing with her husband, enjoyed gardening, antiques, the Boston Flower Show and had a huge collection of dolls. She also enjoyed camping and traveling in her motor home.

She was married in Berlin, N.H., June 25, 1934 to Willard C. Shurtleff, who died Jan. 22, 1998.

Survivors include two sons, Dawson Shurtleff and wife, Muriel, of Dixfield and Alton Shurtleff of Gorham; eight grandchildren, Denise Richard and husband, Albert, of Dixfield, Diane Paterson of Rumford, Doreen Shurtleff of Lewiston, Deirdre Shurtleff of Dixfield, Deborah Young and husband, Walter, of Buxton, Terry Whitney of Scarborough, Stephen Shurtleff and wife, Mellyn, of Sterling, Mass., and David Shurtleff of New York, N.Y.; 11 great-grandchildren, Megan Richard of Springfield, Mass., Melissa Richard of Lewiston, Chelsea Paterson of Portland, McKenzie and Delaney Paterson of Rumford, Ashley and Corey Young of Buxton, Nicholas, Elizabeth and Eric Shurtleff of Sterling, Mass., and Martin Shurtleff of New York, N.Y.

Friends are invited to sign the guest book and share memories online at www.meaderandson.com.