Obituary of Shirley L. Caron

Shirley L. Caron

Brewer – Shirley L. Caron, 83, wife of Charles A. Caron, died peacefully on April 28 at her home following a brief struggle with cancer, surrounded by her family. She was born December 24, 1934 in Brownville, the daughter of John and Jessie (MacLeod) Heskett.

Shirley graduated from Brownville Junction High School in 1952. A year later, she married Charles A. Caron, her high school sweetheart and the love of her life. Together, they raised six children.

Her life was rich with family, friends and her many interests. Shirley will long be remembered for organizing countless family gatherings and family game nights, and the many summers camping, and later at camps on Green Lake and Ebeemee Lake. Her Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and all the pies were legendary. She was a gifted seamstress and enjoyed art. Handwritten notes from Shirley were keepsakes.

In retirement, Shirley and Charles were avid Red Sox and University of Maine Women's Basketball fans; enjoyed their summers spent at Lobster Lake, along with cruises and other trips which took them to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Prince Edward Island, and New York City; and especially enjoyed following the activities of her grandchildren, who were the light of Shirley’s life. For 16 years, Shirley was an office manager at Getchell Brothers, retiring in 1989. Shirley was a member of the First Congregational Church, and later a member of the Second Congregational Church, serving on many boards and committees as well as singing in the choir. She devoted her time selflessly to all the church functions, including public suppers, fairs and Women’s Fellowship, and graciously took on the job of producing the weekly bulletins.

She was always soft-spoken and forever gentle, yet she had an enormous impact. Shirley confirmed that decency, integrity, and quiet service are still their own rewards. She was selfless, caring and compassionate, always putting the priorities of her family and friends before her own.

Shirley is survived by her husband Charles; daughter Debra Caron of New York City; daughter Sandra Caron of Orono and her daughter Joy; daughter Tamara Craig and her husband, Vern of Brewer, and their sons Josiah and Jovon; and son Peter Caron and his wife, Gwen of Hermon, and their children Lydia, Robbie and Mandy; daughter-in-law Nancy Murray of Eddington and her two children, Rachel and Jacob; three siblings, Geraldine “Deena” Grenier of Las Vegas, NV, Gerald Heskett and his wife, Carol of Palmyra, Mary Thomas and her husband, John of Kittery Point; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by two sons, Paul Caron in 1978 and Drew Caron in 2013, as well as her brother Robert Heskett and sister Pauline Michaud.

Family and friends may visit Friday, May 4 between 5:00pm-7:00pm  at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer. A service honoring and celebrating Shirley’s life will be held Saturday, May 5 at 11:00am at the Second Congregational Church, South Main St., Brewer with Rev. Richard Reynolds, pastor, presiding. A time of fellowship and refreshments will be held immediately afterward. A private burial will be held at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery, Brewer. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Second Congregational Church, 607 South Main Street, Brewer, ME 04412. Messages and memories may be shared with Shirley’s family at kileyandfoley.com.