Shirley Vaillancourt

Shirley "Cookie" B. Vaillancourt, 71, of Londonderry, passed away on August 5, 2018 at 6:15P.M., with her loving husband, with whom she shared nearly 51 years of marriage, holding her hand.

Shirley was born at Lawrence General Hospital on July 1, 1947. She worked as a candy striper at Lawrence General Hospital in her younger years. For many years, she was employed at Gillette in Andover, MA until her retirement. During retirement, Shirley was an avid crafter and seamstress, participating in craft fairs with her daughter, Paula.

Shirley and her husband, Frenchy, have a love like no other. When you were in the room with them, you witnessed true love. Shirley and Frenchy met when Shirley was 13 and Frenchy 15 at a party playing spin the bottle. One kiss was all it took. "I'm going to marry that man", she whispered to sister, Angela.

Despite obstacles with Shirley's health, she and Frenchy travelled the world. She snorkeled in the Bahamas, laid on beaches in Fiji, and adventured on 17 cruises. Shirley loved new restaurants, experiencing new things and adventures, dancing, listening to music of many varieties, and spending time with her family. She loved to read her favorite author, Steven King. Shirley fought an ongoing battle of illnesses for over 20 years.

In addition to her husband, Fernand "Frenchy" Vaillancourt, Shirley is survived by her daughter, Paula Thornhill and her husband William Thornhill; her sister, Angela Broscoe Ash and husband Ivan; her brother, James Broscoe and wife Karen; grandchildren & great grandchildren; Alex, Rebecca, Jacob, Lacey, Michael, Dominic, Sarah, William, Timothy, Addy; many cousins, nieces, nephews; and lifelong friends. Shirley was predeceased by her daughter, Jennifer Vaillancourt Peeples.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her Memorial Gathering will be held in the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, 243 Hanover St., Manchester, on Saturday, August 18 from 1:00 to 2:00P.M. Followed by her Memorial Service at 2:00P.M. The family invites family and close friends to a Celebration of Life, at 4:00P.M. at Upper Village Hall, 52 East Derry Rd, Derry.