Shirley R. Nye

Shirley R. Nye, 82, longtime resident of Walnut Hill Road, Shapleigh died at her home, Monday, January 3, 2005. She was born February 21, 1922 in Wareham, Massachusetts a daughter of Henry H. and Mary R. (Robinson)Robert and graduated from Wareham High School. She worked at the Five and Dime in Wareham and for many years with Edaville Railroad, famous for it's cranberry bread and other products. With her husband, the late Rev. Harrison T. Nye, they began a lifelong ministry together, serving in churches in both Massachusetts and Maine for over 30 years. In the early 70's, the family moved to the farm in Shapleigh. Mrs. Nye worked at the former Aletta Dress Shop in Springvale. She was primarily a homemaker, known by many as "Ma" and generous with her many cooking talents. During the Christmas Season, she would help those less fortunate and when the family gathered for the Sunday Noon meal, there was always room for "one more." She will be remembered for her delicious scalloped potatoes, apple pies and grape nut pudding. She and her husband raised many of their own vegetables and canned the harvest working on a woodstove. With ten children to raise, being gifted in the kitchen proved to be such a blessing.Mrs. Nye loved to knit and over the years has made many sweaters, afghans, and slippers for family and friends. She made 24 afghans one year to give to the homeless shelter. She enjoyed singing the traditional hymns and attending church with her family. She ministered by her daily living and gracious spirit of love for her Lord, Jesus Christ.She is lovingly survived by four sons, Lindsey H. and his wife, Susan Nye of Shapleigh; Frank Nye of Ocala, FL; Marvin R. and his wife, Patricia Nye of Alfred; and Richard Nye of Shapleigh; 3 daughters, Janet and her husband, Dan Carr of Hollis; Roberta and her husband, David Borger of Shapleigh; and Joanne Nye of Bar Mills; 24 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren; one sister, Ellen Forsyth of Bristol, CT; and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Nye was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Rev. Harrison T. Nye, Sr. and by two sons, Harrison T. Nye, Jr. and David C. Nye and by a daughter, Elizabeth Nye; granddaughter, Lauren Nye and daughter-in-law, Karen Nye.Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 8, 2005 at 11:00 am at the Heald Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale with Rev. Danford Carr and Rev. David Borger co-officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Highland Grove Cemetery in Shapleigh.Calling hours will be Friday, Jan. 7, 2005 From 4 - 7 pm at the funeral home.Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, New England Division, Inc. 1 Main Street,- Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.