DURHAM — Shirlie Copp, 91, passed away peacefully at her home on Bowie Hill Road on Friday evening.

She was born in Freeport, daughter of Harold and Martha Pettengill Curtis. Her growing up years were spent on South Street, and she attended local schools, graduating from Freeport High School in 1938.

Shirlie was an animal lover from an early age. She learned about caring for and riding horses from her grandfather, Daniel Pettengill, with whom she shared a special bond. As a teenager, Shirlie worked at the Desert of Maine, creating sand designs in glass containers of various shapes.

On April 30, 1941, Shirlie and George Copp were married in Freeport, and went on to be together for the next 68 years. After George’s stint in the Army in WWII, they settled at Porter’s Landing in Freeport, Maine, where they started their family, and managed a small farm. While George worked during the day as a logger, Shirlie took care of the pigs, cows, horse, and other animals. She was busy in the summer, canning and freezing vegetables from their large garden. She took pride in preparing delicious meals for her family. She also was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for her family through the years. Knitting was an activity she enjoyed as well, always aiming for perfection in her work. Her sweaters, wool socks and mittens were worn and loved by her husband, children and grandchildren.

In 1968, Shirlie and George moved to Durham, where they spent their later years. They found pleasure in watching birds, deer, turkeys, foxes and any other animals that may have wandered into the yard. Shirlie loved to go for rides, here, there and everywhere, enjoying the sights. She and George would attend the state fairs each season, enjoying the horse and pony shows, and they made an annual trip to Fryeburg Fair with family.

Shirlie was predeceased by her husband, George in 2010, her grandson, Ben in 2011, and her sister, Hope. Surviving are her three children, Frank and his partner, Christie, Peggy and her husband, Ralph, of Durham; and Robert and his wife, Griselda of Morelia, Mexico. She leaves six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as well.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial gathering downstairs at the First Congregational Church of Durham, corner of Rts. 9 and 136, on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 1 p.m. For those unable to attended, condolences to the family may be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Shirlie’s name to: Coastal Human Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick 04011.