Shirley Bredemeier
On Feb. 13, 2013, our beloved Shirley Bredemeier lost her valiant fight with cancer. She was born in Hillsboro, Kan., on July 20, 1946, and grew up in Marion, Kan.
After attending college, Shirley enlisted in the Army in 1974 and served until 1978. During her military time, Shirley met her lifelong partner of 35 years, Connie Gilbert. Together they established their home in Northwood, N.H. Shirley then worked as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service in Suncook, N.H., from which she later retired.
Shirley was a capable and avid tinkerer who could fix, repair, or build almost anything. She loved the outdoors, working in the yard where she created a sanctuary including a pond with coy fish, frogs and turtles. She also built a small rendition of a lighted church.
Shirley was also an avid crafter of clay. She could model and create nearly anything, including: trucks, cars, pool tables, dogs, and Disney characters. She would give away her works of art to people she loved and whose love touched her. Her clay creations are in homes, offices and hospitals throughout the New England area. She loved the New England Patriots football team and seldom missed their televised games.
Diagnosed with multiple Myeloma cancer 10 years ago, Shirley never gave up. She seldom complained maintaining a brave and cheerful outlook, even through countless chemotherapy treatments, broken bones, X-rays, stem cell transplant, hospitalization and much pain. She continued to bring a smile and joy to everyone around her and remained positive.
Shirley is the daughter of the late Charles Junior Bredemeier and her dear mother, Lucille Judd Bredemeier, who resides in Marion. Her partner, Connie Gilbert, and her brother, Charles Bredemeier, also survive her.
She leaves behind other loving family including cousins, nieces and nephews. The list of friends is immense, but special gratitude goes to the many neighbors, co-workers and health care personnel who provided her with boundless care, devotion and love.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the givers favorite charity. Shirley’s life will be celebrated in a small private service at the Boscowen Veterans Cemetery.