Shirley Ann Perry

Shirley Ann Perry

January 11, 1943 - October 15, 2026

We are blessed to know that Shirley Ann Perry, 83, has left this earthly life to be with her Lord and Savior. Shirley passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, surrounded by family at Bel-Aire Nursing Home, where she had spent the last three and a half years bringing her joyful and spirited personality to the staff and residents.

Shirley was born on January 11, 1943, in Brownington, Vermont, to Wilfred Alton and Eva Agnes Young. She grew up on the family's country farm alongside her eleven siblings. From an early age, Shirley showed the strength and determination that would characterize her entire life. She survived polio, grew up during wartime, helped her mother care for their large family, and excelled in school. An extraordinary student, Shirley graduated as valedictorian of her class from Orleans High School in 1961.

Shirley married Francis Simeon Perry on December 28, 1960. Together, they made their home on Old Stone House Road in Brownington, where they raised their nine children and built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work.

Shirley is survived by her children and their spouses: Brenda Staples; Rebecca and Alfred Currier; Everett and Dawn Perry; Chester Perry; Peter and Kimico Perry; Anthony and Donna Perry; Wilfred and Ginny Perry; Leroy and Jane Perry; and Dawn and Matthew Patenaude. Her family continued to grow to include 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren with two more expected, and four great-great-grandchildren; her siblings, Marie Viens, John Young, Robert Young, Richard Young, Sharon Faust and, Leon Young.

Following Francis' passing in 2008, Shirley later remarried. She was also preceded in death by her second husband, Real Gauvin, her siblings, Dorothy Broe, Wilfred Young Jr., Alfred Young, Don Young and Albert Young.

Shirley was an incredibly strong woman who faced hardships throughout her life, including cancer and, in her later years, Alzheimer's disease. Yet the challenges she endured never defined her. She will instead be remembered for her joyful and spunky personality, her kindness, her strong will, and her playful spirit. She could be stern when the occasion called for it, but she loved deeply and wholeheartedly.

Above all, Shirley was a faithful believer in Jesus Christ and a member of the Catholic Church. Her faith remained an important part of who she was throughout her life.

Shirley was also an exceptionally hard worker. For 27 years, she served as the administrative assistant at Irasburg Village School, where she became a familiar and caring presence to generations of children and families. After retiring, she continued working as a bookkeeper at the Old Stone House Museum and managed rentals on Willoughby Lake.

She enjoyed gardening, homemaking, reading, writing, music, dancing, walking, cross-country skiing, hunting, sewing, and puzzles. She had many interests, but nothing brought her greater joy than children. She loved her own children fiercely, treasured her grandchildren and the generations that followed, and had a special place in her heart for children everywhere.

Shirley lived a full life marked by faith, perseverance, laughter, hard work, and a love of family. Her strength carried her through difficult times, her playful spirit brought joy to those around her, and her love touched generations.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and by the many people whose lives she touched.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 23, at 11.am at St. Theresa Church, 44 East Street, Orleans, VT 05860. Interment will follow at the Brownington Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Belaire Nursing Home Activity Fund, 35 Belaire Drive, Newport, VT. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.