1928 – 2013

FARMINGTON — Shirley Mawhinney, 85, of Knox Street, Rumford, died Friday, Nov. 15, at the Sandy River Health Care, Farmington.

She was born in Stepney, Conn., on Feb. 21, 1928, and was the daughter of James and Jeannette (Lamb) Miller. She was a high school graduate of Stepney, Conn.

Shirley worked in the Mexico School District as a secretary until retirement. After retirement she continued working as a secretary in her home.

She was an active member of the Mexico First Baptist Church. She enjoyed playing golf, riding her bike and spending time with her family. She was an excellent cook and loved to share her creations with her family.

She was married in Mexico, in April 1973 to Rayfield “Ray” Mawhinney who survives of Rumford. Other survivors include sons, William “Bill” Baltrus and wife, Tina, of Norridgewock and Doug Mawhinney of Mexico; daughters, Jan Arsenault of Jay, Patty Coolidge and husband, Gary, of Turner and Jamie Plante and husband, Tom, of Mexico; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Phyllis Fitzgerald of Sedona, Ariz., Emmeline Lillis of Morris, Conn., and Marilyn Chase and husband, Gordon, of Loxahatchee, Fla.

She was predeceased by her parents; a son, Joe Mawhinney; a sister, Edith Hahn; and a son-in-law, Albert Arsenault.

Friends are invited to share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.