Shirley Ann Conklin

Shirley Conklin, age 88 of Salsbury Cove, ME, passed away peacefully at home, December 26, 2020 with her loving sister Arlene by her side. She was born on November 4, 1932, in Bridgeport, CT to Martin and Helen ( Zitnay) Zuzick.

She was predeceased by her husband of forty- three years, John Roland Conklin, and her loving partner of twenty years, Skip Parsons.

Shirley is lovingly remembered by her son Thomas Conklin and wife Lynn of Brownville, ME; daughter Kathy Geanuracos, and husband James of Monroe, CT; two sisters Alice Mahan, and Arlene Zuzick; four brothers, Martin Zuzick and wife Mary Jane, Theodore Zuzick and wife Judy, Robert Zuzick, David Zuzick and wife Cathy; three grandchildren, Christine Geanuracos and fiancé James Talcott, Elena Geanuracos Thomas and husband Adam, and Andrew Conklin; one great- grandchild Addison Conklin and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley began her career as a beautician in Darien, CT while raising her family in Monroe. She and her husband then moved to Brownville, ME, and started a construction business. They enjoyed their work and the Maine lifestyle; no challenge or job was too big for Shirley.

Following her husband’s passing Shirley met “Skip” Parsons and a courtship ensued. She eventually moved to Salsbury Cove, ME in 2000. She immediately became an active member of the community joining the Eden Baptist Church and volunteering at Mount Desert Island ( MDI) Hospital. She went on to become the President of the MDI Hospital Auxiliary. Shirley committed to supporting the MDI Hospital in its mission to strengthen the health of the community. She assisted with blood drives, health fairs, and all- volunteer services. She also collected and donated to charitable foundations and hosted church sales. Shirley was once quoted as saying, “I don’t feel like I’m anything special, but I just like to help people and make a difference in their lives.” She never fully realized just how special she was.

She loved spending time with family, exercise classes, cards with her many friends, a good book, knitting, and dancing.

At Shirley’s request, no services will be hosted. A Private interment for family will be at Pine Tree Cemetery in Brownville, ME, in the spring.

Contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to:

Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Avenue

Ellsworth, ME 04605 or

MDI Hospital Auxillary PO Box 8

10 Wayman Lane

Bar Harbor, ME 04609