Shirley F. Michaud

Mom left for a road trip…..a road trip that we weren’t able to be a part of this time. I am certain that the road trip she is on now is the most beautiful one of all. The road trips that we went on were to see the sights and a few visits to family and friends along the way. This trip is taking her to the loved ones she has missed for so long. Of course her grandparents were waiting, as well as her parents Lila (Sibley) Vowles & Harland Harris Sr., and her step-father Arnold Vowles. Her brothers, Harland Harris Jr. and Bruce Vowles have been waiting to welcome her as well. Her husband, our father, Wilfred Doucette to whom she was married to for 52 years when he passed has been patiently waiting for her. Her second husband, Hermel (Frenchie) Michaud, who showed her she could love again and his daughter Paulette are sure to be waiting for their turn to visit. Many brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws and too many friends to count had to be lining the streets to greet her. But, the ones that had left before her, the ones that took the biggest piece of her heart with them, are the ones that must have been standing at the Gates to welcome her with open arms, are her sons…Michael (1997), David (2022), Joey (2022) his son Joseph. Surely they were just as excited to be reunited with her as she was to be with them. Her son-in-law of 41 years, Lance Donaghy (2022) was surely with them as well.

 Mom and Dad moved to Fishers Island in 1967. It was there that they raised their 5 children. Mom worked hard all her life. While raising the family she earned money by cleaning houses, ironing baskets and baskets of clothing, napkins and bedding. She worked at the old Oyster Farm by hand punching holes in oyster shells and placing them on long strings that would be put in the water to help raise oysters. She worked as a cashier at Walsh’s store, later on she and dad opened Willy’s where she would make grinders (subs), ice cream sundaes and sold general merchandise. She completed the course to get her GED and then went on to become an EMT. She worked in Riverhead, NY as a CNA. She went to hairdressing school at the age of 41 and became a licensed cosmetologist. She was the office manager Doucette’s Plumbing. To say she wasn’t afraid of hard work would be an understatement.

 She always made sure us kids had what we needed and plus the extras! She made sure we learned to swim, skate and go sledding. She would bring pots of hot chocolate to the Duck Pond while we were ice skating, not just for her kids but for anyone that was there. She welcomed everyone in to our home.

 She is survived by her children: John Doucette and wife Debbie of Fishers Island, NY and Brenda Doucette Donaghy of Dennysville, ME; Step-son Timothy Michaud and wife Julie of South Casco, ME.; Grandchildren: Dan (Angela), Brad & Laura. Mike (Amy) & Christopher. Megan (Bill) & Brittany (Sam); Great Grandchildren: Sierra. Cody & Rylie. Dylan & Charlotte. Eleena & Amelia. Hadley.

 She is also survived by her siblings: Roger (Karen), Jerry (Dee) and Starr. And many nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters in laws. They may not have seen each other often, but they were always in her heart.

 She thought I was doing her a favor, but it was her that gave us the greatest gift. She spent quality time with us…Dan & Ange and Brad, the stories and history that were shared is priceless. The great- grandchildren really got to know their GG. She taught them so many things, and always had a piece of chocolate for them. The look on her face when John and Debbie surprised her on her 87th birthday, will always bring a smile to my face. And me, I got to see my mom every day and I was able to show her how loved she was. I will miss you forever mom, rest in peace.

 In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services. A private burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Old Town, ME. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

 Community Caring Collaborative

PO Box 88

 Machias, ME 04654

Please notate TCI, in memory of Shirley Doucette Michaud