Shirley Jane Jones

SACO / BIDDEFORD – Shirley Jane Jones, devoted and beloved daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, coach and friend peacefully received her angel wings June 27, 2026, at Glenridge Nursing Home with her niece, Alison Thompson, by her side for this difficult journey.

Shirley, what an amazing woman and remarkable life. She was born in Augusta, Maine, to parents Alfred L. and Madeline M. Jones on Aug. 24, 1939. Shirley grew up in Vassalboro but lived most of her adult life in Saco. In 2022 she returned to her old stomping grounds in the Vassalboro area to be close to family. Shirley graduated from Erskine Academy in 1958 and attended the University of Maine at Orono graduating with a degree in physical education and science with a minor in English in 1962.

Shirley began her career as a teacher and coach in 1962 at Lyman Moore Middle School in Portland. Shortly after she was hired at Falmouth High School where she helped establish girls swimming, softball, and basketball. She was instrumental in building a successful field hockey and track and field team, winning multiple State championships along the way.

Shirley was later recruited and accepted a position at South Portland High School where she continued her role as a teacher and coach. While there, she established an intramural program and coached swimming, field hockey, basketball, track and field, and her favorite sport, cross country, with many successful outcomes.

For 38 years Shirley was a dedicated teacher, coach and a friend to her many students. Even creating lifelong friendships with some of her students. She retired in 2000 but remained active, volunteering at multiple track meets, delivering meals, and giving rides to the elderly. Shirley was an avid golfer, playing in various women’s leagues. She absolutely loved her golf. Shirley also held multiple positions on the York County Retired Educators Association including the position of President before she resigned to move back home.

Shirley was a pioneer and advocate for girls’ sports teams, being a huge supporter of Title Nine.

She was the recipient of many honors for all her hard work. Such as, in 1975 she received honors for distinguished service at the Maine Association of Health and Physical Education and Recreation for her work as past chairperson of State Division for Girls and Women in Sports and member of the Girls Sports Committee of the State Principals Association. In 2000 Shirley was the recipient of the Maine Principals’ Association “Unsung Heroines’ Award” for her contribution to girls’ high school sports. In May of this year, she was the recipient of the Maine Health Care Association “2026 Remember Me” Award for all of her life accomplishments and extraordinary dedication to her work, her students and her community.

Shirley was an amazingly strong, independent, caring woman, and was truly the life of the party. She always had a new joke to tell, a quote to say, or a funny song to sing. Shirley was musically inclined. She played the saxophone, piano, and later in life, she carried around a harmonica, pulling it out of her pocket and busting out a tune anytime, anywhere. Shirley absolutely loved and adored her family, especially her sister. Their bond was unique but lovingly tight. They both shared a love for Christmas and always made it extra special. We will greatly miss Shirley’s sparkling baby blue eyes, her sunshine smile, and her comical presence.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents Alfred L. Jones and Madeline M. (Foster) Jones; her sister, Margaret L. Cain, her brother-in-law, Richard B. Cain; her nephew, Mark W. Cain, and her niece, Debora Jane Jones, who was named after Aunt Shirley.

Shirley is survived by her brother, Alfred “Bub” M. Jones, her wonderful neighbors and second family, Jerry and Jane Nadeau; her cat, Alice; many nieces and nephews; and many grand and great-grandnieces and nephews.

Service will be on July 29, at 10 a.m. at. Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville, with a burial to follow at North Vassalboro Village Cemetery on Cemetery Street, in Vassalboro.

Celebration of Life to be held on Aug. 22, at 1 p.m. at the Dutch Elm Golf Course, 5 Brimstone Rd., Arundel, ME 04046

In lieu of flowers, please send money for the

Shirley J. Jones Scholarship Fund.

Make checks out to:

York County Retired Educators Association or

YCREA

In check memo write:

Shirley J Jones Scholarship Fund

Mail to:

Carol WR Mitchell

48 Clark Rd.

Alfred, ME 04002