Shirley Hawksley Cooper
CUNDYS HARBOR – Shirley Hawksley Cooper of Cundys Harbor, Maine, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side June 30, 2022.
Shirley was born in Auburn, Maine, to Verna and Roy Hawksley on April 16, 1926. The family moved to New York in 1935 and returned to Maine in 1942 where Shirley graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn in 1944.
Throughout her life Shirley enjoyed working where she used her love of people and learning. She held roles with several local companies and as nanny to a family in Needham, Mass. In particular, Shirley was proud of gaining her U.S. Merchant Marine papers and the time she spent working on the Nantucket Steamship where she made many friendships with passengers and crew.
As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Shirley held the role of chaplain of the William McIntosh Chapter, Needham, Mass. She had many hobbies including Swedish embroidery, rug braiding, journaling, reading, traveling to see family and watching professional golf. Music, singing and dancing with family and friends was always a part of her life. Her deepest passion was time spent near the ocean and enjoying a “smile” at the end of the day on the deck at her home overlooking the ocean in Cundys Harbor. She was always very active and cherished a hot air balloon ride, swimming with dolphins and activities on trips across the country.
She was devout in her religious beliefs. Shirley was very active in the Christ Church of Needham, Mass., as well as other churches in Maine communities where she lived.
Shirley’s family was most important, always having time for them. She was known for her kind words of encouragement. She was the mother of six children and was predeceased by her son Steven Fleckenstein and daughter Christine Henman.
Shirley is survived by her daughter Velvet Welch, Columbia, Conn. (deceased Ed Welch); Carrie Theriault, Truckee, Calif.; Ronald York, St. Simons Island, Ga., (Rachael York); and Deborah Bowdoin, Cundys Harbor, (Roger Bowdoin). Shirley was also predeceased by a brother Roy Hawksley, a sister Flora Ricker and a “very special” cousin Marion Ham.
Her 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and five great-great- grandchildren were consistently on her mind and she was amazing in her ability to stay on top of their activities and interests. In addition to her family role she was the matriarch to a significant number of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
The family would like to offer a special thank you to the staff at MidCoast Hospital and the Androscoggin Hospice House. A private burial will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Auburn. There will be a celebration of life that will be announced shortly.
Private burial will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Auburn. Please join us for the Celebration of Life,
Saturday, July 9, 2022, between 12-3 p.m., at Davincis Eatery, 150 Mill St., Lewiston. Memories and condolences can be shared at http://www.brackettfh.com.
In lieu of flowers Shirley has asked the contributions in her memory be made to the Maine Special Olympics and the
Mid Coast Humane Society.