Shirley B. Carlton, 71, of Wiscasset, died peacefully at home with her family on Dec. 11, after a long battle with cancer.
She was born in Bath on March 20, 1937, the daughter of Claude Arlington and Violet Mason Beal.
She grew up in Woolwich and was a 1954 graduate of Morse High School, participating in many school activities and functions, particularly as a majorette at school and in local parades. She also enjoyed many alumni gatherings, keeping in touch with her many high school friends.
After graduating high school, she went to work in banking and finance. She married John L. Carlton on April 27, 1957 and worked with him in his sporting goods store in Woolwich, later moving to Wiscasset. During construction of Maine Yankee, Shirley was known as “Wiscasset’s answer to the Kelly girls”, filling in different positions as needed. She went on to have her own bookkeeping service, working for several local businesses. Shirley started a family wreath business with her daughters and husband in the early 1970s, which they will continue. She and her daughter Laurie established Carlton’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, which Laurie retired from in 1995. Shirley and Jack kept the ice cream business going and enjoyed participating in many events in the area during the summers.
Shirley and her family enjoyed many summers at their camp in Jefferson. She was a talented seamstress and had many hobbies, including crafts, gardening, feeding the birds, and attending her grandchildren’s school activities. She and her husband traveled extensively, including trips to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, the Bahamas, summer trips to Canada, and many winter vacations to Florida. They had just returned from a trip to California.
Shirley was predeceased by a sister, Muriel and husband Hugh E. Madden; and brother-in-law, Courtney Dale Hupp.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, John Carlton of Wiscasset; sister, Beatrice Hupp; two brothers, Richard Beal and wife Drucilla, and David Beal and wife Ellen; two daughters, Cheryl Carlton and Laurie Berry; five grandchildren, Bill, Rachael, Angela, Adriane, and Jason; and many nieces and nephews.
At Shirley’s request, there will be no funeral service. There will be a small committal service in the spring.
Donations in Shirley’s name would be appreciated at either the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Rd., Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086 or to CHANS Hospice, 60 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick, ME 04011.
