Shirley Ann Bentley

Shirley Ann Bentley of Wolfeboro NH passed away on May 28th after a period of declining health at the Wolfeboro Bay Center. Shirley was born in Providence, RI on September 4, 1929, the daughter of Henry Alexander and Mabel Lucy (Stenson) Whitcomb. Shirley has lived in Wolfeboro since 1977 having moved from Warwick, RI with her husband Hayden who predeceased her in 1985. Shirley received her Bachelors Degree in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island in 1952 and her Masters Degree in Public Health Nursing Supervision from Teachers College of Columbia University in 1957. In Rhode Island, she worked for the Providence District Nursing Association from 1952 – 1962. She served as the Executive Director of the Cranston District Nursing Association from 1962 – 1973. Upon moving to Wolfeboro, Shirley served her community as a board member of the Wolfeboro Visiting Nurses and as President of the VNA & Hospice of Southern Carroll County and Vicinity from 1994 – 1999. In 2002, Shirley was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Wolfeboro Lions Club. Shirley spent many hours as a volunteer for the American Red Cross organizing local Blood Drives and received the Red Cross’ Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2002. Until recently, Shirley’s was the voice on the phone if you called Caregivers of Wolfeboro to arrange a ride for medical treatment or more. Burial was held June 3rd at the Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery in North Kingston, RI. A memorial service will be held at All Saints Church in Wolfeboro at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the Rotary Foundation, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. The Baker-Gagne funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting with the arrangements. TO sign an online guest book, leave a message or condolences, go to: www.bakergagnefuneralhomes.com