Shirley J. Letourneau

Shirley Johnstone Letourneau, 85, of Sanford, died on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at the Greenwood Center in Sanford following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease.Shirley was born at home in Alfred, Maine on December 17, 1928 to John and Ida (Lockwood) Johnstone and attended Alfred schools. She was employed as a material handler at Corning CoStar where she worked for 25 years until her retirement. She raised four children and shared 59 years of marriage with Alphonse Letourneau who died in 2007. Shirley was a member of the Rehoboth Rebekah Lodge #79 in the late 1960's and early 1970's. She enjoyed traveling, camping, knitting, playing cribbage, dominoes and putting puzzles together. She also enjoyed family gatherings and holiday dinners with her family at her home. With her caring and giving nature, Shirley had also developed an extended family from the people that she had worked with. She kept in touch with many of them long after her retirement.Shirley's sister Ruby moved into Shirley's home to help her care for Alphonse three years before he passed away. After Alphonse's death Ruby became caregiver to Shirley who was beginning to struggle with Alzheimer's. She was very compassionate and helpful with the needs of Shirley and Alphonse and loving helped with all of the household duties and participated and all of the family functions. Shirley's family would like to express their gratitude to Ruby for all the care and compassion shown to Shirley and Alphonse during their period of declining health.Shirley was predeceased by her husband, and seven siblings, Avis Johnstone, Thelma Robinson, Effie Gilpatrick, Joyce Johnstone, Lois Fluet, Nancy Hobbs and Russell Johnstone.Surviving are two sons, Bernard Letourneau and his wife Jane of Lebanon, Daniel Letourneau and his wife Lauri of Waterboro; two daughters, Patricia Letourneau of Hollis and Kathy Stott and her husband Jay of Alfred; 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.At Shirley's request there will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held at a later date.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.