SOUTH PARIS — Shirley J. Gatchell, 81, of South Paris, died early Sunday morning, Oct. 15, at the Market Square Health Care Center in South Paris.

She was born on Sept. 9, 1936, in Lewiston, a daughter of, Bernard and Edith (Young) Bennett. She attended local schools, graduating from South Paris High School in 1955 and went on to attend nursing school at Central Maine General Hospital.

Shirley worked in retail at numerous stores in the area, the Registry of Deeds in South Paris and for many years in the ticket booth at Oxford Plains Speedway.

On June 24, 1988, she married, Hiram Gatchell. Together they enjoyed riding Harley-Davidsons and she particularly enjoyed various crafts.

She was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 72 Ladies Auxiliary and the VFW Post 9787 Ladies Auxiliary, both in South Paris.

She is survived by three children, Pamela Sizemore and her husband, James of Stanardsville, Va., Michele Wagner of Bryant Pond and Carlton Lebroke and his wife, Charlene of East Troy, Wis.; a stepdaughter, Vicki Gammon and her husband, Michael of Auburn; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a brother, Burton Bennett of South Paris. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Hiram; and siblings, Lois Voss, Robert Bennett, Beatrice Wirth and an infant brother.

Her family would like to thank Beacon Hospice, Bob and Sandy Bahre, and Terri Carleton.

Condolences and tributes may be shared at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

Shirley J. Gatchell

Copy the Story Link