PORTLAND — Shirley Lorraine McDonald, 72, died March 17 at a local hospital after a brief illness.

She was born in Chicago on Nov. 26, 1936, the daughter of John and Evelyn (Stover) McDermott.

In the early 1950s, she and her family moved to Portland. She met her husband, Lawrence, in a sardine factory and they were married on Oct. 29, 1956.

For 23 years, she was employed at The Park Danforth in Portland.

She had an exceptional singing voice and a passion for singing. A highlight was singing with Bette Davis at the Peaks Island Playhouse. She also had an audition with Enzio Pinza at the Ogunquit Playhouse.
Her family was the focus of her life and she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a son, John Joseph McDonald, and a brother, John A. McDermott.

She is survived by her husband, Lawrence; a daughter, Shelby L. Noyes and her husband Terry of Standish; sons, James W. McDonald and his fiancee of South Portland and Lawrence E. McDonald II of South Portland; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held last week.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330. Arrangements are by Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Ave., Portland.