Shirley Hope Gilbert

OAKLAND – Shirley Hope Gilbert, 92, of Oakland, passed away at her home on the morning of July 22, 2021. Shirley was born in Winslow on Feb. 9, 1929 and was one of six children (Estelle, Beverly, Geraldine, Richard, and David) of Joseph M. Begin and Florence (Pouliotte) Begin.

Shirley graduated in 1947 from Bingham High School and went on to work in administration for the Sears and Roebuck Company. On Oct. 16, 1970, she wed the love of her life, Joseph “Leo” Gilbert and remained happily married for 50 years.

Shirley often spoke fondly of her younger years when she sang on the radio as part of the “Begin Sisters” trio with Beverly and Geraldine. Later in life, she volunteered as a member of the “Touch of Class”, a dancing troupe that preformed for the elderly throughout Central Maine. In addition, Shirley loved cooking, sewing, quilting, knitting and painting. She was especially fond of spending time with family at camp.

Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Steven J. Drew, who passed away in 2006.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Leo Gilbert; her eldest son, Irving E. Drew II, daughters JoAnn D. Dworman, Terry L. Albright; her stepchildren, Lee Gilbert, Valerie Lovett; her brother, Richard Begin; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 9 at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. After the Mass, there will be a procession to Saint Frances Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville, followed by a reception at the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, 76 Industrial St.