Shirley Clark Lauffer

December 20, 1926 – December 24, 2021

Shirley Lauffer of Wellfleet (formerly of Bridgewater, MA and Fort Fairfield, Maine) passed away on Christmas Eve 2021, four days after her 95th birthday. Shirley was pre-deceased by son Clark, the love of her life, in October 2019.

Shirley grew up in rural Maine and often shared fond memories and stories of her life there with “Mum and Dad” (Blanche & Ronald Clark) and her brothers, R. Ted Clark and George D. Clark. She attended nursing school in Portland, Maine and became a school nurse in the Bridgewater, Massachusetts school system, where she worked for many years covering five different schools. Shirley could recall students by name (as well as their ailments and treatments) long after her retirement, and recounted home visits to deliver winter coats, hats and mittens to families in need.

Shirley summered in Wellfleet for many years in her “attractive Wellfleet trailer” with attached porch, where she was surrounded by her flower and vegetable gardens. She later built a home on the site, overseeing the building process in her resolute Shirley way. She loved her daily, late afternoon bike ride to the pier and enjoyed walks at Mayo Beach.

Upon retirement, Shirley moved to Wellfleet full-time, where she quickly became a well-known and beloved member of the community. By her own accounting, she had a quick temper and didn’t suffer fools gladly. She had a kind heart; according to her friend, Richard, an inherent sense of being there “just in time” to those in need ~ usually with a thoughtful gift or card. Shirley took on the hardships of others as a personal challenge. Never one to be told no, Shirley was a solution-seeker ~ “there simply HAS to be a way”! More often than not, she found that way. She lovingly collected all personal correspondence sent to her and at any given time, there was a basket (or three) in Shirley’s house that was filled with cards, letters and photos that were loving reminiscences. Shirley was a consummate shopper. Undoubtedly there are many local businesses that suffered first quarter losses in 2022.

The Wellfleet Library, where she leaves her dear friend Naomi Czekaj-Robbins and the Wellfleet Council on Aging, where she leaves her dear friend Terri Frazier, were two of her favorite places. Shirley treasured Regis Legnine for her many gracious acts of kindness and companionship.

Wellfleet will not be the same without the inimitable presence of Shirley Lauffer. “Though she be but little, she is fierce.”

Rest easy, dear Shirley.

Graveside service: April 8th, 11 AM – Oakdale Cemetery, Wellfleet.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Shirley’s memory to:

Carrie A. Seamen Animal Shelter (CASAS)

PO Box 13474

Provincetown, MA 02657

or

First Congregational Church of Wellfleet, UCC

PO Box 1300

Wellfleet, MA 02667