CAMDEN – Shirley E. Knight, 85, died unexpectedly Oct. 11, 2012, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport

Born in Rockport Nov. 12, 1926, she was the daughter of Russell and Nellie Crockett Staples. Educated locally, she was a 1946 graduate of Rockport High School.

Following high school, Shirley married her soul mate, Maynard L. Knight Sept/ 8, 1946. Together they made their home in Camden their entire married life.

Shirley began her working career at Tibbett's Industries. She later moved on to work for the Hot Lunch Program with Camden/Rockport Schools before returning to Tibbett's. While working and raising her son, Shirley also volunteered as a Cub Scout leader.

Later in life she enjoyed membership in the Order of Eastern Star, Ocean View Chapter No. 28 in Rockport.

Shirley greatly enjoyed cooking, and her family said she would do anything for anybody. She will be remembered as a woman who loved life, always had a smile and could make friends anywhere she went. They said she was loved by everyone she ever met. She had a generous spirit and was always willing to help others.

One of her favorite pastimes was the weekly card game with her beloved sisters with whom she was very close.

Predeceased by two brothers, Ralph Staples and Russell Staples, Mrs. Knight is survived by her husband of 66 years, Maynard L. Knight of Camden; her son, Lindley Knight and his wife, Terry, of Warren; her sisters, Patricia Start of Rockport, Dorothy Carroll and her husband, Royce, of Rockport; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Crocker and her late husband, Herb, and Helen Staples and her children, Terry, Alan and Robin; five grandchildren, Heather Knight of Skowhegan, Brittany Fields of Hope, Lucas Fields and his wife, Danielle, of Rockland, Daren Fields and his wife, Andrea, of Broadalbin, N.Y., and Dallas Fields and his wife, Bethany, of Hope; two nieces, Cindy Salo and her husband, Gary, and Brenda Pierpont and her husband, Nate; six nephews, Dana Start, Rick and Lauren Golay, Ron and Jenny Golay, Charles Golay, Larry Staples, and Ralph Staples Jr.; 11 great-grandchildren, Aiden, Braden, Caleb, Madison, Nolan, Hanna, Rozlin, Parker, Paige, Hunter, and Sydney; great-nieces and great-nephews, Aili and John, Hannes and Danielle, Russel and Joyce, Tom, Trisha, Andy and Jeff; as well as her three best friends, Charlene, Jody Matthews and Pat Latimer.

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. at John Street United Methodist Church in Camden. The Rev. Margaret Moser will officiate. Private interment will be held at the Upper Cemetery in Lincolnville.

To share a memory or condolence with Shirley's family, visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.