EAST MADISON – Shirley Hodgdon, a lifelong resident of East Madison, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 12, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Shirley was born March 3, 1945, at Redington Hospital in Skowhegan to Lois and Oliver Gould of East Madison. She graduated from Madison Memorial High School with the class of 1963. While at MMHS she enjoyed being a cheerleader and excelled at drag racing cars – beating many of the local boys. On Nov. 12, 1966, she wore a scarlet red dress and a smart pillbox hat when she married the love of her life, Wayne “Skip” Hodgdon.

Shirley held a wide variety of jobs starting in high school working summers at The Birches Ice Cream Stand at Clough’s Corner. After high school she worked at Norwock Shoe Box Factory, Depositor’s Trust Co., Skowhegan Water Co., and then Sears and Roebuck. Her drive and career path led her to New England Telephone Co where she was an installer at a time when women weren’t doing this type of work.

Shirley was a talented decorator and took great pride in her home. She had a wonderful sense of style and fashion and worked tirelessly to improve her family’s home over the years. An enthusiastic gardener, Shirley was a member of the Bloomfield Garden Club and greatly enjoyed her home flower gardens as well as working with other members on gardens in Coburn Park and the Norridgewock History House. She also had a love of reading and enjoyed many different authors.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Skip; her son, Stephen Hodgdon and his partner Angela Sturtevant and her daughter Kassie of Pittsfield; her daughter, Lois “Midge” Ouellette and her partner Mark Tulley of East Madison.

Shirley was immensely proud of her five grandchildren – Charlie Mateo and husband Joe of Virginia; Steven Ouellette of East Madison; Cassidy Sirois of Pittsfield; Breanna Sirois of Belfast and Isaac Ouellette of East Madison. She was quick to offer praise and advice and comfort for every situation. She was even known to spoil them on occasion.

Shirley will be greatly missed by her sisters Pat Skettini of Miramar, Fla.; Eleanor “Onnie” Middleton of New Milford, Conn.; Edith “Dee Dee” Pinard and husband Gary of Farmingdale, and Stephanie “Teppy” Irwin and husband Alan of Belgrade.



Shirley had many close friends and family members who will miss her spirit and good humor. These wonderful people provided love and support throughout her life and especially while she was battling cancer. The family wishes to express their thanks for the cards, calls, visits, flowers and food.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Doughty and staff of Redington Medical Primary Care in Skowhegan, Dr. Winters of New England Cancer Specialists in Scarborough, and Dr. Nayak and Dr. Torres of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston for their care and concern and kindness throughout the course of her treatment.

In honor of her wishes, there will be no public memorial. A family gathering will take place in the near future.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers the family would like to encourage donations in her memory to the Skowhegan Humane Society,

PO Box 453,

Skowhegan, ME 04976.

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