She was born in Springvale to Charles Jean Pelletier and Helen (Stebbins) Pelletier on July 18, 1932. She graduated from Sanford High School, where she was a student scholar active in many academic and sports programs.
She married Robert Joseph Brocato on July 12, 1951. They loved and devoted themselves to their marriage and seven children for 61 years. Robert lost his life to lung cancer on Dec. 2, 2012. With his death, Shirley lost part of her heart. Daughter, sister, wife, mother, gardener, quilter, catlover – she was all of these, her greatest passion being Bob’s wife. Bob and Shirley, Shirley and Bob.
Shirley lived most recently at Gorham House in Gorham, where she spread love and laughter. Known there as “Sweet Shirley,” her many favorite sayings and funny quirks will long be remembered and cherished.
She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Leo, Paul and Rudolph; and a granddaughter, Aimee Brocato.
Her seven surviving children mourn her passing, but take joy in knowing she is in the arms of “her Bob”: Joe Brocato, Waterboro; Robert (deceased); Julie Crandall and husband Andrew Crandall, Windham; Anthony Brocato and partner Tracy Andrews, Naples; Kathie LeBel and husband Chris LeBel, Westbrook; Maria Picher and husband William Picher, Windermere, Florida; Lisa Latno, Westbrook; and James Brocato, Somerville, Massachusetts.
She is also survived by her sister, Anita Pelletier of Sanford; grandchildren Scott (Tami) Leavitt, Naples; Nick (Sue) LeBel, Bridgton; Sam Brocato (Ashley Libby), Yarmouth; Peter Brocato, Naples; Michael and Stephen Picher, Windermere, Florida; and Benjamin and Roman Latno, Gray; and many loving nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren, who filled her life.
Visiting hours will be 4- 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter St., Sanford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church. Burial will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in her memory to: Gorham House Scholarship, 50 New Portland Road, Gorham, ME 04038.
Condolences may be expressed at blackfuneralhomes.com.
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