PORTLAND — Shirley Jean Yates, 68, passed away on April 14, 2011, at Mercy Hospital in Portland.

She was born in Biddeford on July 15, 1942, the daughter of Coburn and Cora (Yates) Yates. She attended schools in Grand Lake Stream, Livermore Falls and Portland. She worked at various factories and businesses in the area, retiring early because of ill health.

Her favorite pastimes were doing crossword puzzles and black and white pencil drawings of the ocean and other landscapes. She was quite talented without ever taking a lesson.

Shirley never married or had children of her own, but she loved her family very much and helped to raise a grandniece in her early years.

Survivors include two sisters, Gail Young of East Lebanon and Leona Laverdiere of Livermore; a brother, Gary Yates of Casco; a grandniece; 15 nieces and nephews; an uncle, Micky; and several cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Eugene; a niece; and an aunt.

A memorial service will be held in the Village Cemetery in Grand Lake Stream at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland.