Shirley Cleaves Beckwith

Yarmouth – Shirley Ann Beckwith, 76, died on Friday July 20, 2012 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Freeport on June 12, 1936, a daughter of Dorothy (Hale) and Ralph Cleaves. She was educated in Yarmouth schools and on July 11, 1952 she married Franklin R. Beckwith becoming a farmer’s wife and mother of their two children.

Shirley enjoyed knitting, sewing, crocheting (she was known for her baby sets and mittens), cooking and in later years, crossword puzzles and Jumbles. She had a great intellect and would have been an excellent teacher given her patience and love of knowledge.

She was a devoted wife ideally suited for her husband and family. A quiet woman by nature she was loving, kind and caring who was more than honest and a best friend to her daughter. She was focused, determined and unwavering.

Shirley will be greatly missed by her husband of 60 years, Frank Beckwith of Yarmouth; her son James Beckwith and his wife Robin of Yarmouth; her daughter Karen David and her husband Daniel of Florida; four grandchildren three great-grandchildren and a very large extended family.

Shirley was predeceased by her grandson Edward Beckwith and her two brothers: Robert and Ralph Cleaves.

The family would like to thank Dr. Matthew Dugan and his staff, the IV Unit at the MMC campus in Scarborough and Hospice of Southern Maine for the wonderful care they gave Shirley throughout her illness. It is greatly appreciated.

At Shirley’s request there will be no services. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to: Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Rote 1, Suite 1, Scarborough, ME 04074