Shirley was born September 16, 1935 in Exeter, NH to Charles and Hester (Sewell) James. She attended school in Lee, Durham and Dover, NH. On June 4, 1955 Shirley married Ted Bardwell in Durham, NH. They lived in Durham, Lee, Concord, and settled in Bow April of 1962. She baby sat children at her home and later drove a school bus for 34 years with the Bow School District and Recreation Department. More recently, she was a “chase driver” for Hews Company and Peterbilt of NH. She was a member of the Bow Fire Dept. Auxiliary and P.T.O.
Shirley had a talent for teaching tole painting and ceramics. She used her talents for knitting and crocheting to make hats and mittens to donate to good causes, and made many quilts for gifts. Shirley also was a 4-H leader, who taught sewing and crafts
Some of her favorite pastimes included camping, playing dominoes, and shanghai rummy, square dancing with the Concord Coachmen and Bow-se-do Square dance groups, day trips along the sea coast, and her many adventures with her friends.
She is survived by her husband Edwin H. Bardwell (Ted) of Bow, NH; her children, Maggie and husband Howard Gassett, Chuck and wife Cat Bardwell, Allen and wife Katie Bardwell, and Tom and wife Ana Bardwell; her ten grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Hester (Sewell) James and sister, Edna (James) Johnson.
Calling hours will be held from 10-12 on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Bow Mill United Methodist Church, 505 South Street, Bow, NH 03301. A funeral service will take place at 12pm following. To continue the celebration of Shirley’s life, all are welcomed to join the family in a reception after the service at Bow Mills United Methodist Church. There will be a burial schedule in the spring at the convenience of the family. To share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Bardwell family, please visit www.bennettfuneral.com
The family would like to thank the doctors and caregivers of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, CRVNA, and Rochester Manor Rehab Center for the dedicated and compassionate care provided.
In lieu of flowers, Shirley requested donation be made to NHSPCA, 104 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885, or Rochester Manor Activities Department, 40 Whitehall Road, Rochester, NH 03867.
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