RUMFORD — Shirley Mae (Hoyt) McKenna, 74, of Rumford passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side Thursday, March 8, at her home in Rumford.

She was born Oct. 29, 1937, in Rumford, the daughter of Wayland F. Hoyt and Flora E. McDonald Hoyt. She attended Rumford schools. On July 27, 1963, she married the love of her life, Charles Lloyd McKenna from Prince Edward Island at St. Athanasius-St. John Church.

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Not only was she a mother to her own daughters but she took care of her baby sister Alice for many years. She was known as “Ma” to many neighbors and family friends throughout the years. Her door was always open and there was always an extra place at the kitchen table.

She was a lifelong member of the Snowshoe Club where she loved to dance and socialize with friends and family. When her children were young, she was a Girl Scout leader and a Sunday School teacher. Most recently, she enjoyed volunteering at the Free Store in Mexico, once again helping those in need. She was known for her heart of gold, her spectacular sense of humor and the love she had for her family.

She didn’t have much use for material possessions; her family was her greatest treasure. She also enjoyed cooking, music, plants and flowers, bingo, family get-togethers, the Fryeburg Fair, yard sales and shopping with her daughters. The highlight of her last summer was spending time in Prince Edward Island with her daughters.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years; her six daughters, Debra J. Perry and husband Merle of Milton Township, Brenda L. Hoyt of Rumford, Nancy A. Martineau of Rumford, Marilyn L. McKenna and companion Mark of Livermore Falls, Lisa M. Dayon and husband Jeffrey of Rumford, and Crystal McKenna and companion Sherwood of Rumford; two sisters, Florence Lagasse of Lewiston and Alice Hoyt of Rumford; five brothers, Kenneth Hoyt and wife Alice of Bryant Pond, Francis Hoyt of Rumford, Raymond Hoyt and wife Earline of Rumford; Maynard Hoyt of Kentucky, and Donald Hoyt and wife Andrea of Bryant Pond; seventeen grandchildren, Michele, Ryan, Jolene, Jamie, Derek, Debra, Kristian, Brandon, Pamela, Shawna, Travis, Kera, Ryan, Nathan, Corey, Jeremy, and Troy; and fifteen great-grandchildren with four on the way.

She was predeceased by her mother and father and a brother, Ralph Hoyt.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the McKenna family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.