NORTH WATERFORD — Shirley Ann Kimball, 76, died on Saturday, Feb. 25, at her home in North Waterford after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Shirley was born Oct. 7, 1935, in South Paris, to Ida Mae (Lapham) and George Gurney.

Shirley grew up and spent much of her adult life in Norway. She graduated from Norway High School in 1954. She worked as a clerk at Herbie’s Shop-Rite until she became a full time homemaker and then later in life as a butcher’s assistant for Herbie Roberts Meats.

Shirley married Richard Kimball in 1965. The couple had one daughter in 1973. Shirley was a devoted wife and mother and enjoyed her time as a homemaker. She was the quintessential neighborhood Mom: an eye on everyone, whether they knew it or not, and always ready with snacks and an ear, and perhaps a bit of advice if asked.

After their own daughter went off to college, Shirley and Richard both cultivated relationships with some of the younger families around Lovejoy Lane in Norway. They developed a particular affection for the McLaren and Mosley families who have continued to visit and provide support despite the Kimball’s change in neighborhoods after they moved to North Waterford. Shirley thought a great deal of all six children in the two families and happily received updates and photos through the years.

Shirley participated as a Girl Scout troop co-leader when her daughter was in scouts. She was very active in the Norway–Paris Fish and Game Association, not only participating in their activities and projects, but holding offices in the organization as well. She served as the organization’s president in 2002, one of only two women to hold that position up until that time, and held other offices after that also. She enjoyed getting out and being social and helping others. She periodically worked alongside a high school classmate to help with Community Lunch at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Norway until recent years when she became unable.

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Shirley was an active hunter and fisher. Though she didn’t swim, many summer weekends were spent in a boat and most winters were spent on the ice. She enjoyed music and loved to dance.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Kimball of North Waterford; a daughter, Jennifer Colburn and her husband, Jeffrey, of Rockland; a granddaughter, Allison Colburn of Rockland; two stepgranddaughters, Erin Colburn Hall and her husband, Erik, of Durham and Nicole Colburn and her fiance, Travis Campbell, of Union; as well as two stepgreat-grandchildren, Bryce Colburn and Olivia Campbell of Union; other surviving family members include a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Arthur and Bernice Kimball of Williamsburg Va.; a sister-in-law, Eve Gurney of El Dorado, Kan.; a nephew, Larry Gurney and his wife, Annette; two nieces, Lora Walker and her husband, Steve and Lynda Queen; a stepnephew, Todd Plummer and his wife, Shelly, all of Kansas; as well as several great-nieces and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Ida and George; and her sole sibling, a brother, Lawrence Gurney.

Much appreciation is expressed by the family for the work by Androscoggin Hospice staff to make Shirley’s end of life care as comfortable and enjoyable as possible as well as to the many family members and friends who visited throughout her illness and provided support.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.


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