OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Shirley Mullen was a fixture at the United Methodist Church in Old Orchard Beach.

Mrs. Mullen, who died Saturday at age 87, was an active member of the church and director of the food pantry there.

She served on several church committees and volunteered at the food pantry for the last 15 years or so.

She was director for the past three years. Pastor Michael Gray said she handled the finances, ordered the food and ran the front desk.

“She was the food pantry,” Gray said. “We relied on her far more than we should have, but she did it without complaint. She was such a strong member of this church. She will be missed.”

Phyllis Anne Larivere and Judy Elliott have stepped in as co-directors of the food pantry.

Pat Saunders, general assistance director for Old Orchard Beach, said Mrs. Mullen was a kind and giving person. She said they worked together every year on the holiday giving tree project, which serves children in need in Old Orchard Beach.

“I think the (clients) were very appreciative of her volunteering all those years,” Saunders said.

Mrs. Mullen was remembered by her family Monday as a generous and outgoing woman who dedicated herself to helping people in need.

In addition to working at the church, she volunteered many hours with the Meals on Wheels program and at the Hospice Bookstore in Old Orchard Beach.

She was also active in the Order of the Eastern Star and was on the board of trustees of the Libby Memorial Library in Old Orchard Beach.

“She had what she needed in her life and felt for those who didn’t,” said James Souza of Saco, the younger of her two children. “If no one stepped up, she did. She was dedicated to whatever she took on.”

Mrs. Mullen spent her career in the insurance industry. She worked for the Gilpatrick Insurance Agency in Old Orchard Beach for 17 years. Then, she joined Mutual Fire Insurance Co. in Saco, where she worked for 14 years. She retired in 1986.

She was married to Harold Mullen, who died in 1993.

Her son said she was a supportive mother. He said she was very close to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“She was always there for us,” he said. “She was considered the matriarch of the family. Everything went through her.”

Mrs. Mullen died in her sleep early Saturday morning. On Friday, she had dinner with her granddaughter Stephanie Wagner in Saco. Another granddaughter called her at midnight to wish her a happy New Year.

Her son believes she knew it was her time.

“It’s kind of shocking,” he said. “We are all just thankful for the way she went. She was very independent. She was her own boss, and that wasn’t going to change.”

 

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at: mcreamer@pressherald.com

 

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