Shirley A. Lorette

FARMINGTON – Our mom, Shirley Lorette (Neil) passed away peacefully at her son’s home in East Winthrop on March 29, 2025, with her three children and daughter in-law by her side. She was born on Feb. 13, 1936, in Farmington, Maine to Norman and Pauline (Rodzen) Neil, one of five children (the “middle child”).

She graduated from Wilton Academy in 1954 and married her high school sweetheart Francis Lorette. They were married for 24 years and raised their their children in Winthrop. In 1983 she moved back to Farmington, where she lived out the rest of her days. She will be remembered for her artwork. She leaves behind a legacy of oil and watercolor paintings. Her artwork is scattered amongst friends and family (as well as businesses) across the state and country.

Mom won many ribbons at various festivals in the 1990’s, most notably at the Portland Sidewalk Art Festival which resulted in her painting being displayed at the Portland Museum of Art. She also loved to keep busy with sewing, knitting and crocheting, and her braided wool rugs adorned the floors of many family members. She enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables, making delicious jams, and her coveted applesauce with the produce from local farms. She was generous and a kind-hearted soul. She enjoyed playing different card games with her siblings, especially Skip-Bo. She was focused on keeping up with current events and was deeply concerned about the future of our country.

Shirley was predeceased by her brother, Norman Neil, Jr., and sister, Marjorie Neil. Mom is survived by her sisters, Louise Lake and Sondra Davis, both of Wilton; three children and their spouses, Dawna Bailey (Dean) of Auburn, David Lorette (Jennifer) of East Winthrop and Michele Lorette-Hughes (Michael) of Brunswick; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. She is greatly missed by all.

A small intimate graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Lakeview Cemetery in Wilton.

Family and friends are encouraged to visit Shirley’s Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com to share sympathies, a story or photos. Honored to be caring for the family of Shirley A. Lorette is Wiles Remembrance Center – Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish can send a donation to the:

Farmington Historical Society

118 Academy St.

Farmington, ME 04938