Shirlie Mimi, Grammie, Hugs Saulter Obituary (1929 - 2017)

Shirlie P. Saulter, 87, joined her beloved husband, Leonard G. Saulter, in heaven on February 13, 2017. It is only fitting her first full day with him in heaven would be on Valentine’s Day. She was born Shirlie Mae Poulin on September 21, 1929, to Lafayette and Alvena Poulin of Waterville, ME. Shirlie graduated from Waterville High School and Westbrook College. On August 1, 1953 she married her soulmate, Len. They enjoyed a rich and beautiful marriage of 63 years, raising 6 children. Shirlie cooked beautiful meals, kept a lovely home and friends were always welcome. As Len’s partner and inspiration, she managed their family and could go from gardening clothes to cocktail attire in a blink. With a warm and gracious smile and a quick wit, all eyes would turn to Shirlie whenever she entered a room and she immediately put everyone at ease. The family camp on East Pond was Shirlie’s ‘Pecial Place. She loved gatherings there with family and friends, taking great pride in her flowers and watching her children and grandchildren grow up playing on the beach. Starting a family tradition with Len, embracing the outdoors at Sugarloaf in the 60’s, she would fondly tell the story of how she learned to ski doing the Jitter Bug. She loved to pack a lunch and ride the gondola to the top to watch her husband and family ski laps up and down Gondi Line. Later in life, Shirlie loved spending winters with Len in Bonita Springs, Florida. She would often be seen rolling her eyes at the term “snowbird” but she loved golfing, tennis, swimming and days at the beach finishing her crossword puzzles in the warmth. For 20 years, she looked forward to family visits from her children and grandchildren and welcomed them to her home in Bonita Bay, creating special memories. Mimi was never one to follow the rules at the pool when it came to her grandchildren. Shirlie’s children and grandchildren get their competitive spirit from her. She loved attending the endless schedule of sporting events and activities as her children and grandchildren’s #1 fan, loudly cheering at football, rugby, soccer and hockey games, tennis matches, track meets and dance recitals. She holds the family title as ping pong champion, rubbing it in each time she beat one of her children or grandchildren, and she rarely played by the rules. She was even known to eagerly participate in beer pong competitions when her children were home from college. Shirlie is predeceased by her husband Leonard G. Saulter Sr. and brothers Dr. Donald R. Poulin and Harold James Poulin. She is survived by her children – son, Dr. Leonard G. Saulter Jr. and wife Pam of Freeport, daughter Sherril L. Saulter of Waterville, daughter Jody S. McKenna and husband David of Bangor, son Dr. Timothy E. Saulter and wife Lisa of Falmouth, son Dr. Jamie T. Saulter and wife Linda of Waterville and son Dr. Michael S. Saulter and wife Brenda of Hermon and many nieces and nephews. Her proudest accomplishment and a testament to the deep family values she instilled are her “Terrific 13” grandchildren who gave her tremendous joy - David McKenna, Matthew Saulter, Kailey McKenna, Hope Saulter, Brittany Saulter, Kaitlin Saulter, Jayme Saulter, Emilie Saulter, Brianna Saulter, Samantha Saulter, Brooke Saulter, Michaela Saulter and TJ (Timothy Jr.) Saulter. Shirlie and Len were a match made on earth, now reunited in heaven. Mom, Mimi, Grammie, Hugs, Shirlie - you will forever be in our hearts and cherished in our memories. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, February 25th at 11:00 am Notre Dame Church in Waterville, Maine. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirlie’s memory to: Alfond Youth Center Camp Tracy Fund Attention: Ken Walsh 126 North Street Waterville, Maine 04901