Shirley M. Monteer

Shirley Mae Monteer, 80, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.  Shirley was born in Calais on February 16, 1942, daughter of Kenneth and Pearl (Leighton) Avery. 

After graduating from Shead Memorial High School, Class of 1960, Shirley went to work at Guilford Woolen Mill as a mender in the weaving department.  She also worked in the local sardine factories, as a waitress, and the Day Manager of Red Ranch Inn in Eastport.  In 1967 she married Billy A. Monteer.  With Billy being employed by the Department of Defense they lived throughout the United States.  She graduated from secretarial school in Portsmouth, RI and worked for The Kelley Girls in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as for numerous department stores.  While living on the west coast, Shirley graduated from beautician school in San Pedro, CA.  Upon Billy’s retirement, they returned to Maine to be closer to family.  Shirley was a member of The First Congregational Church in Calais, and a Lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. 

In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her husband Billy Monteer Sr. in August, 2001; two brothers, George Avery and Kenneth “Sonny” Avery; and two brothers-in-law, Joe Troiani and Tom Monteer.  Surviving are three stepsons, Billy Monteer Jr. of Lowell, MA, Clayton Monteer of Concord, NH, and Brian Monteer of Tacoma, WA; an aunt Patricia Avery of Baileyville; sister Betty Troiani of Baileyville; sister-in-law Ivie Avery of Perry; special cousin Joan Morton; a niece and several nephews.

“She did it her way”