AUBURN — Shirley M. Labonte, 81, died Tuesday, March 20, at the Hospice House after a brief illness. She resided in Lewiston most recently and summered in Harpswell for many years. She spent most of her life in Rumford, where she worked tirelessly raising a large family and operating a thriving business with her husband.

She was born in Monmouth, May 8, 1930, the daughter of William and Gertrude (Curran) Chick. She graduated from Monmouth High School, Class of 1948. She was married in Indiantown, Pa., July 7, 1951, to Arbe J. Labonte, who died in Jacksonville, Fla., April 17, 1998.

Survivors include six children, Gary Labonte (San Pedro, Calif.) and his son, Aaron and daughter, Libby, Geraldine Labonte (Lewiston) and her sons, Joey, Brian and Kevin, Larry Labonte (Rumford) and his son, Lonnie, Cindy Labonte (Lewiston) and her companion, Jim Jordan, Paula Dailey (Anaheim Hill, Calif.) and her daughters, Jen and Kim, Denise Hebert (Norwalk, Conn.) and her daughter, Ashley; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Edward Chick (Monmouth) and Richard Chick (Winthrop) and his wife, Erlene; and two sisters, Janice Sawyer (Westbrook) and Evelyn Halloway (Sanford) and her husband, Richard.

Shirley embraced life. She enjoyed dancing, traveling, playing cards (especially cribbage) and spending time with friends. Her most endearing moments came when she was surrounded by her loving family

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