Shirle Roehner

JUPITER, Fla. – Shirle Marie (Long) Roehner, 87, of Jupiter, Fla., passed away peacefully, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023.

Shirle was happiest surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She played tennis, hiked extensively throughout the western U.S., and loved learning, always taking classes at the local colleges or participating in life-long learning programs in Florida and in Maine. She was an avid pianist, and despite severe arthritis in both hands, was still able to volunteer and display her knowledge of piano, playing weekly for a memory care facility.

Shirle was born Jan. 15, 1936, in Weedville, Pa. to Edward and Bertha Long. A graduate of Grand Haven (Mich.) High School, she earned a teaching degree from Western Michigan University. After teaching full-time for several years, she continued as a substitute teacher. Shirle met her husband, Henry “Hank” Roehner, Jr., in Grand Haven, Mich. while he was stationed there with the U.S. Coast Guard. They were married in Grand Haven, Mich. on June 2, 1955. He predeceased her in 2004 but not before they were together for 49 years and raised three children.

Following his military service, Shirle and Hank moved their young family to his hometown of Glens Falls, N.Y. where Hank began his career in the paper industry. When Hank joined the S.D. Warren paper company in Muskegon, Mich., they moved with their three children back to the area of Shirle’s hometown. Shirle spent many years substitute teaching while their kids attended the local schools. They later moved to one of their favorite locations, Yarmouth, when Hank managed the paper mill in Westbrook.

Christmases were special occasions as their children returned to visit them with their growing families. Decorating the Christmas tree always included Christmas carols with Shirle playing her grand piano and leading the singing, a roaring fire, and great red wines.

Following Hank’s retirement, he and Shirle were able to travel together extensively for 16 years. They both loved to hike the mountain trails in Montana and Wyoming, played tennis, and enjoyed a great red wine together in the evening.

After Hank’s death, Shirle lived in Jupiter, Fla. for almost 20 years enjoying the weather which allowed her to play tennis and garden year-round. She was a neighborhood fixture walking her beloved dog, Maggie, every day. Shirle especially loved sitting on the beach at sunset with her family and of course, a glass of red wine!

Shirle is survived by her children Linda (Roehner) Whalin, of Jupiter, Fla., Henry J. Roehner, III, of Simi Valley, Calif., and Susan Roehner Longley, of Yarmouth; and nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A family celebration of life will be held this winter in Florida and in Maine next summer.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Hospice organization.