BRUNSWICK — Shirley A. (Lessner) Gilliam, 75, of Brunswick, passed away on January 8, 2013, after losing her battle with cancer. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family, just five days shy of her 76th birthday.

The daughter of Charles and Marguerite Lessner, Shirley was born in Damariscotta in 1937. She lived and raised her family there until 1964, when she moved to Bath. Later, Shirley cooked for and managed the snack bar at Yankee Lanes in Brunswick, a role she filled for many years; she fed thousands of people over the years, and her fish chowder will be missed by all. Her whole life was dedicated to her family, however, and the titles in which she took the greatest pride were that of daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

She is predeceased by her husband, Frank Gilliam. She is survived by her son, David Jacobs; her daughter, Nancy Bulges; her son-in-law, Frank Bulges; her granddaughter, Crystal Bulges; her grandsons, David Jacobs Jr. and William Pinkham; her sister, Mabelle Sykes; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In the spring, a graveside service will be held at the family cemetery in Damariscotta.

Condolences may be sent to Shirley’s family at 64 Cobb Farm Drive, Westbrook, ME 04092, or by visiting www.desmondfuneralhomes.c om.