Elaine J. Shirley Dinsmore

Elaine Joan Shirley Dinsmore, 85, went peacefully and faithfully to live with the Lord on March 10, 2024.

Elaine, who most recently lived at the Ellen Leach Memorial Home in Brewer, Maine, was born in McAdam New Brunswick, Canada to Hazel Cleghorn on May 24, 1938. Due to her mother's poor health, Elaine was raised by her grandfather Fred Cleghorn and her aunt Stella on the family farm in Tweedside, New Brunswick until age 9. Elaine was then adopted by her aunt and uncle Elizabeth (Lizzie) and Sherman Perkins and moved to Baileyville, Maine in the United States. 

Elaine went on to marry the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Everett Shirley, on July 10, 1955 and completed her education. Elaine and Dick had 4 children, Heidi, Tammy, Russell and David. Many years after Dick's untimely death at age 53, Elaine met and married George Dinsmore. They were married for only 1 year when George passed away in 2001 from lung cancer. 

While raising her children, Elaine worked for Dr. Sear's office in Baileyville for 6 years. It was there she gained the confidence and courage she felt she so often lacked. She then went on to work for the L C Day Trucking Company in Wesley for 7 years. Finally, she worked for the Superintendent's Office of the Baileyville School Department, Union 107 until her retirement.

Elaine held a strong faith in God throughout her life. It was that faith that sustained and strengthened her during times of hardship and joy, of which there were many. She remained devout and was content even as she faced the end of her earthly life. She was a member of People's Methodist Church in Baileyville and First United Methodist Church in Bangor. 

Elaine enjoyed many hobbies such as sewing quilts, playing cards, reading and most notably dancing (especially the Polka).

 Elaine was predeceased by her son Russell Everett Shirley of Baileyville, her brother Ronald Rickard of Ontario, brother-in-law, Sonny Pike Sr and dear nephew, Sonny Pike, Jr.

She is survived by the family she adored so very much: Children, Heidi Turner of Point Claire, Alabama; Tammy Davis and husband Ronald of Milford, Maine; David Shirley and wife Amanda of Choctaw, Oklahoma; and daughter-in-law, Jean Shirley of Baileyville. Grandchildren, Glenn Davis and wife Dana of Milford, Maine; Chad Davis and wife Abby of Alton, Maine; Ashly Shirley, Cody Shirley, Casey Shirley and Erin Shirley of Baileyville, Maine; and Body Shirley of Choctaw, Oklahoma. Great Grandchildren, Madison and Brady Davis of Milford, Maine; Owen and Harper Davis of Alton, Maine; David Lawless, Jr., Caden Phelps and Nora Lewey, all of Baileyville, Maine. Her beloved sister Doris Pike of Baileyville, Maine, many nieces and nephews, and two special friends, Florence Churchill and Joan Greenlaw.

 The family would like to express thanks to the St. Joseph’s Hospice Care of Bangor for their kindness, compassion and unending support during mom’s last weeks with us.

There will be a celebration of life for Elaine at 1:00 PM, on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Calais United Methodist Church in Calais, Maine. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the People’s United Methodist Church in Baileyville, Maine or the Calais United Methodist Church in Calais.  Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.