She departed surrounded by the resplendent natural beauty of the home she tended, the pets she cared for and the creatures and gardens she cultivated, each with as much dedication, perseverance and thorough, loving attention as the next.
She was born in Biddeford on March 11, 1948, the daughter of Harrison E. and Pauline L’Heureux Grover. She was educated in Biddeford schools; graduated from the former St. Andre’s High School; received a degree from Rivier College in Nashua, New Hampshire; attended the University of Southern Maine in Portland and St. Francis College in Biddeford; and received her doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.
Shirley’s profound display of care was extended to the innumerable souls that she nurtured over the course of her life. Throughout her career as chief learner and educator, she engaged directly with the hearts and minds of all students, families and fellow educators connected to her.
Her spirit of intellectual innovation, exceptional work ethic, Spartan loyalty to her principles and selfless dedication to the betterment of the lives of others was made manifest in her extensive history of academic achievements.
These included becoming school principal at a very young age; collaborating to establish schools throughout the southern Maine region; educating children from over 37 different nations as the director of the American School of Milan, Italy; spearheading the efforts of Bill Gates and the Microsoft Corp. to run the technologically and academically innovative School of the Future in Philadelphia; and working with children from all walks of life at Mother Caroline Academy in Massachusetts.
Friends and family were ever inspired, motivated and nurtured by Shirley. Her unflinching resolve, fiery wit, blazing, innovative spirit and bottomless wellspring of love, care and kindness transformed the lives of all she touched, and made them better for her efforts.
To her son Jonathan, now 28, she was a hero, a paragon and a best friend. She was the same to her brother Michael, now 64, and ever endeavored to elevate him, to promote and celebrate his works, and to share his best qualities with the world.
Shirley is survived by Jonathan; Michael and his companion, Lori; dear family friends Julia and Jonesy; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and close friends.
To all of the aforementioned, she is remembered as a kind, vibrant, unique and remarkable individual. And to the countless children, students and colleagues whose lives she molded, shaped and enriched, she will ever be remembered and thought of with the most profound and sincere gratitude.
She will be fiercely missed – and never forgotten. We love you always, we always love you, and we love you in all ways.
Visiting hours will be 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford. All other services will be private. Those wishing to pay respects and share condolences are invited to visit HopeMemorial.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests visiting the Hope Memorial website for information on a fund for donations to a charitable organization in Shirley’s name.
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