Shirley “Shirl” L. Labonte

Shirley “Shirl” L. Labonte, longtime resident of Milford, NH, died suddenly on March 18, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital Nashua, NH after a period of declining health surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on October 16, 1951 in Casco, ME, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Florence Proctor.

Shirley was raised in Casco, ME and graduated from Lake Region High School, Class of 1970.

Shirley married Robert Labonte on August 26, 1972 in Nashua, NH, where they would start their life together and later moved to Milford to raise their family.

Shirley’s compassion, dedication and willingness to help others without a doubt helped her to more than succeed in her role as a person in the healthcare system. She started her career at St. Joseph Hospital in nursing, eventually moving into social work before retiring from Nashua Neurological.

After retiring, she continued her love of being with people with her daughter at Parker’s Maple Barn for over 15 years, greeting and talking with customers.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother Timothy Proctor; sisters-in-law Claudette “Claudie” Mahar and Sandy Labonte.

She is survived by her siblings Pamela Spearrin, Casco, ME, Lawrence “Larry” Proctor, Bonita Spring, FL, Delores “DeeDee” Desrosier and her husband Stanley, Roosevelt, MN; Scott Proctor, Casco, ME; brother-in-law, Gerry Labonte, Nashua, NH.

In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her children whom she thought the world of, Michelle Knowles and her husband Scott of Milford, NH; Christopher Labonte and significant other Marcey Mason of Milford, NH; her grandchildren whom she treasured more than life, Michael and Samantha Knowles, Kaleigh Groch and her husband Joseph Groch, and her newest pride and joy, her great grandson, Mason Groch.

She also leaves behind her very best companion and furry friend Abigail, who will miss her dearly.

Her family meant everything to her, whether it was spending time together or just simply talking on the phone. Shirley’s love and commitment to all veterans was unwavering. In addition to the many positions, she held she also was the past President of the State of NH Ladies Auxiliary and the past President of the Nashua Ladies Auxiliary Post 483.

Memorial visiting hours are on Friday, March 22nd from 4:00-7:00 pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23rd at 10:00am in St. Patrick’s Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Milford. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Nashua VFW Auxiliary Post 483, 8 East Pearl Street, Nashua, NH 03060. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com