THOMASTON — Shirley Ann Wooster, 78, went to be with the Lord Feb. 19, 2015, surrounded by her children at her home.

Born in Thomaston on Aug. 3, 1936, she was the daughter of Philip R. and Lorraine L. Mank Seekins. Shirley grew up at her family's Beechwood Street dairy and poultry farm. Her sister said when they were growing up, all four girls would climb in bed together and Shirley would tell a made-up story that would sometimes go on for hours.

Even as a young girl, Shirley enjoyed doing kind acts for neighbors and friends. To this day, Shirley enjoyed making May Baskets for her entire family. She would spend months preparing them, and then the entire day delivering them.

Educated in local schools, after graduating from Thomaston High School, she married Donald Paulsen. They moved to Ozark, Ala., where they lived at what is now known as Fort Rucker. Returning to South Thomaston, they owned and operated a dairy farm, where they raised three children. During that time Shirley ran a beauty salon in her home and never turned anyone away, regardless of the time of day.

Later in life, she married Milton Wooster. Together they established Coastal Cosmetology Academy. Shirley and Milt shared a very affectionate relationship, and their love for one another yielded them much joy in life from anything and everything. Shirley was affectionately named Nanny Woo Woo, and there was never a time she didn't have someone living with her who needed a place to stay. Their doors were always open to anyone in need.

She enjoyed oil painting and writing poetry. Her favorite times were those spent with her family, just getting together to share laughter and stories. You could always count on something cooking in the oven, as she loved to cook. Locally, she was famous for her donuts and oatmeal bread.

As a young mother, Shirley served as a 4-H leader, teaching children to cook and sew. Later she served as a deacon of the Federated Church of Thomaston and was an active member of the American Legion Post No. 37 in Thomaston. Her faith in God provided strong guidance throughout her life.

Her family said that words could never capture the beauty and serenity of this amazing and beautiful woman.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Milton in 2009; a grandson, Jamie Ross in 2008; as well as two brothers, Harlow Mank and Philip Seekins. She is survived by one son, Donald J. Paulsen II and his wife, Cathy, of Cushing; two daughters, Tamala Benner of Rockland, and Lorraine “Lori” Benner and her husband, Steve, of Warren; a brother, Wayne Seekins and his wife, Claire, of Thomaston; three sisters and their husbands, Doris and Paul LaClaire of Warren, Faye and Bill Warford of Thomaston, and Sandra and Fred Carroll of Washington; five grandchildren, Misty Link of Cushing, Ashley Benner and her companion, Michael Beal, of Warren, Craig Benner and his wife, Vanessa, of San Diego, Calif., Chelsey Doughty and her husband, Travis, of Cushing, and Dustin Benner of Thomaston; seven great-grandchildren, Logan Link, Noah Ross, Owen Ross, Jace Doughty, Briella Doughty, Ava Beal and Cole Beal; two special children she considered as grandchildren, Dylan Williams and Aaliyah McDonald; her best friend and cousin, Janet Sprague of Wiscasset; two stepsons, David Wooster and his wife, Nancy, and daughter Katie, and Dennis Wooster and his daughter, Amy, all of Warren; as well as too many friends to mention.

The family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to family and friends for all the love, support and help during this difficult time. A special thank you to George Hacklin for his affectionate care-giving.

A celebration of Shirley's life will be held Friday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. at the Federated Church of Thomaston, 8 Hyler St. The Rev. Vanessa Colesworthy will officiate. A committal service will be held May 29 at 2 p.m. at Village Cemetery in Thomaston.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Wounded Hero's Program of Maine, P.O. Box 1797, Saco, ME 04072.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.