Shirley J. Conant

Shirleys PhotoAUBURN - Shirley J. Conant, 82, passed away Sat. March 21 at Clover Nursing Home in Auburn.

She was born on Feb. 18, 1933 in Gowanda, N.Y., the daughter of Byron and Margaret (Conklin) Leugemors.

She graduated from Forestville Central High School in N.Y. in 1951, where she served as secretary of her senior class and was involved in many clubs. She went on to Beauty School of Cosmetology in Buffalo, N.Y. She later worked at AAA as an office manager in Morristown, New Jersey.

After moving to Maine, she worked at A.M. Harmon Inc. Insurance Co. (School Insurance for the State of ME) in Portland. She later ran a daycare in her East Auburn home for 10 years. Finally she worked for 18 years at One-Right Systems in Lewiston, before her retirement.

She married the love of her life, Roger F. Conant and together they raised five children while residing in East Auburn.

She was a member of several clubs including: The East Auburn Community Unit, serving as President of the Woman’s Auxiliary and working concessions for Beano, making homemade sandwiches and her chocolate and peanut butter fudge. She also baked gingerbread for the Little World’s Fair and was on the bowling team. She belonged to the Twin City Squares, traveling many places with Roger and friends. She was a Brownie Troop Leader and a member of the East Auburn P.T.A. She was also a faithful member of the E.A. Baptist Church.

She decorated many beautiful cakes for every occasion, including wedding cakes for family, friends and co-workers. She also loved collecting cat figurines, playing Bingo, doing puzzles and watching the Red Sox.

After Roger’s passing in 2003 she resided at Clover for 12 years, where she became President of the Resident Council. She loved spending time with family at the holidays and having visitors at Clover.

She is survived by her five children; daughter, Cindy and her husband Scott Taylor of Turner; son, Gary and wife Janice Conant of Auburn; daughter, Tracey and husband Steve Berry of Turner; daughter, Sherry and husband Anthony Pare of Minot; son, James and Brigita of Nahant, Mass. Ten grandchildren; Lindsay Valentine and husband Michael, Brian Taylor, Heidi Parent and husband Paul, Sarah Conant, Greg Conant, Eric Berry, Shawn Berry, Brandon Pare, Chris Pare and Matthew Conant. Three great-grandchildren: Mackenzie Valentine, Tristan Valentine and Ariel Conant. Her four siblings; Norman Bromley of Angola, N.Y.; David Leugemors of Henrietta, N.Y.; Carol Ingersoll of Willamsville, N.Y.; and Richard Leugemors of Snyder, N.Y. She was predeceased by her sister Alberta Patterson and brother Roger Leugemors.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Clover for the many years of thoughtful care she received.

A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 11am at the East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Avenue, Auburn, ME.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the E.A.B.C. building fund, 560 Park Avenue, Auburn, ME.