Shirley M. Mitton (York), surrounded by beloved family members, peacefully joined our other angels on October 13, 2021. She gracefully fought off cancer for several years. Shirley was born in Portland Maine, the daughter of Nancy R. Ruby (York) on August 9th, 1957. She grew up on the West End of Portland. Shirley attended St. Dominic’s, Cathedral, and Catherine McAuley High School. She belonged to her cherished St. Dominic’s Parish even working many years in the Parish Rectory. She sang in the Parish Choir and was a Eucharistic Minister. Additionally, she married and had her son Bruce baptized there.
As a child, Shirley loved many things, in particular the show Dark Shadows, her passion later became Days of Our Lives! As a teenager she spent hours roller skating with many of her lifelong friends.
Shirley did various jobs throughout her life, notably numerous years at Malconian’s Market on Danforth Street, that later became Vespucci’s. Shirley not only prepared generous sandwiches and pizzas but was a strong community member, often providing advice and help to those in the neighborhood. She was a straight talker and let others know what she really thought!
Shirley married Stephen Mitton in January of 1989. They had one son, Bruce, who was Shirley’s pride and joy. She devoted the rest of her life to being a wonderful mother, supporter, and friend to her treasured son. They played board games, video games, traveled to interesting sites, tried oodles of restaurants, and loved to camp out.
Shirley also had devoted relationships with her family and friends. She never went a day without being in communication with family members. She was particularly close with her nieces. Coffee and Donuts at Christmas time at her parents’ house was always a highlight of the year. Shirley had many close friends during her life, many of these friends were from early childhood. Shirley had a colorful personality, sometimes folks were in and sometimes folks were out, no one was exempt! She had strong opinions and was never shy to share them. Although, it was not very long or hard to get back on her good side! She had a contagious laugh and a heart of gold. She would help any one in need. Shirley enjoyed music, movies, knitting, ancestry searches, visiting lighthouses, and talking to friends on the phone. Shirley was especially proud of her Irish heritage. Her favorite color was green!
Shirley is predeceased by her grandmother, Helen S. York (Adams), with whom she shared a very special relationship, and her brother Rick Ruby. She is survived by her mother and husband, Nancy and Richard Ruby of Limington, her son Bruce Mitton of Brunswick, her sister and husband, Sarahjo and James Potter of Sebago, brother and wife, Daniel and Wendy Ruby of Harrison, brother Charles Ruby of Limington, sister in-law Nancy Ruby of Buxton and many very dear nieces, nephews, and cousins. Shirley lived a loving and faithful life and will be greatly missed by many. May she rest in peace and may eternal light shine upon her.
There will be a Catholic Mass celebrated for Shirley on Oct 30th at 10:00 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarborough, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. Everyone is then invited to a reception in the Church Hall. Masks are required in the Church.
In Lieu of Flowers, please donate to the Maine Cancer Society or a Special Run/Walk for Cancer in Shirley’s name.
Thank You to Chad E. Poitras Cremation & Funeral Services for the help and support during a most difficult time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com