Shirley W. Adams

Shirley W. Adams of Lancaster, NH died at the Morrison Nursing Home on May 4, 2021. She was born September 25, 1928 in Beverly MA, the daughter of Raymond Arthur and Ruth Perley Whipple of Hamilton, MA.

Shirley graduated from Forsyth dental school in 1949. She married George Carlton Adams in 1957. She practiced as a dental hygienist for over 30 years at Kirkwood Dental in Wilmington Delaware where she and George raised their family. She was an active Cub Scout Den mother, attended St. James Episcopal church and was active in the Vestry, church choir and organizer of many church bazars.

She and George retired to Rangeley Maine in1988 and enjoyed their new home for over twenty years in its rural setting. Shirley was sixty years old before she could return to a New England living and its close friendships and opportunities. Of the numerous town committees on which Shirley chose to serve, her favorite was the Rangeley Historical Society. As Rangeley's sesquicentennial parade proceeded in 2005 along the brief descent from the Rangeley Inn, there was Shirley on the Historical Society building's top step, clapping heartily in deep personal pride and delight for her day and town. She never tired while all the while conducting in enlivened enthusiasm, enough to spell out her true belongings in spirit and empathy. Her gallant ballot box guarding as registrar in the adjacent Dallas Plantation township came straight from her heart and ingrain family dedication.

Through a hobby of genealogy, and after several years effort, she compiled in 2004 a first-ever genealogy book. A set of three volumes titled Rangeley's Allied Families. Her effort resulted in a town genealogy, composed of thousands of names. Truly an immense undertaking made possible by persistence and dedication.

Shirley Adams is remembered also for her devotion to Good Shepherd Church of Rangeley, including her role as choir member and as President of the Episcopal Church Women. She lived in the comfort of her Rangeley home while in heartfelt delight of her many friends, in 2013 she received the town of Rangeley Community Service Award.

In the year 2013 she and husband George moved to Lancaster, NH "at the invitation of their son Glenn". There ensued years of care from Glenn and wife Rhonda. A simple expression of thanks is rendered through this document for much kind and loving care.

She is survived by her husband, George, of Lancaster, her son Borden, his wife Laura of Delaware and children Bryan, Stephanie, and Trevor; and son Dr. Glenn and wife Rhonda of Vermont, and children Daniel, Andrew, and Nicholas Ireland, 7 great grandchildren; brothers Alvin Whipple (deceased) and Raymond Whipple of Hamilton, MA.

Memorial donations may be made to the Episcopal Church Women, Good Shepherd Church, P.O. Box 156, Rangeley, ME, or the Rangeley Historical Society, Rangeley, ME.

A memorial service will be held May 29 at 11:30 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Lancaster, NH for family and friends. Burial will be a later date in Hamilton, MA. Condolences are possible as follows: 14 Winter St, Lancaster NH 03584 gadams28@gmail.com .