Shirley Vermilion, 86, of Windham, NH passed away on Sunday August 28 ^th , 2022, at the Pleasant Valley Nursing and Rehab Center in Derry, after a period of declining health.

Shirley was born and raised in Dayton, OH where she met and married her lifelong companion, Ned Vermilion.  Together they traveled extensively for Ned's work, while raising their two children and several furry family members.  As the kids grew and the family settled in New Hampshire, Shirley wasn't content to be idle when the work at home was done.  She took on a series of part time jobs to keep herself busy and help with upcoming college tuition.  She spent many years working mornings at McDonald's in Derry and Shaw's in Salem, NH.  There she made several good friends with whom she enjoyed regular dinners and lots of gossip for many years after retirement.

Shirley was a devoted mother, pet owner, as well as an indulgent grandmother.  She went on school field trips, did Cookie Mother duty, did countless hours of driving duty, and bravely took on the hazardous parent passenger roll when the kids were learning to drive.  She nursed her kids through illness and injury and threw great birthday parties when they were young. She spoiled the neighbor's visiting dogs as if they were her own.  She made it to the grandkids school concerts and scout events and supported all the fundraisers.  She loved to spoil the grandkids with treats and presents, and she never missed an opportunity to slip them cash when mom's head was turned.  She would tell their mom to "Mind your own business!"

Those that knew Shirley will well remember that she was never a shrinking violet and was quite at ease speaking her own mind.  She was very outspoken and outgoing, but she was also keen to show gratitude and very committed to supporting those in need.  She regularly donated to animal, wildlife, conservation, veterans, and every medical challenge under the sun.  Shirley was a big personality with a quiet dedication to family and charity.

The final years of her life were spent challenging her wonderful caregivers at Pleasant Valley Nursing Center.  She was a notorious handful and quite colorful in her encounters with staff, but she never forgot to say "thank you" to them and she became a favorite of many.  The family would like to thank the staff at Pleasant Valley for their wonderful care of our mother, and you all know that her final sentiment to you, whether able to say it or not, was "Thank You."

Shirley is survived by her son, Martin Vermilion; her daughter, Laura Montgomery, and her husband Todd; her grandsons, Ben and Sam Montgomery, all of Windham, NH and niece, Teresa Hailey and family of Ohio.  Shirley is also survived by her longtime friends, Nancy Berry and Barbara Scott, both of Windham and Cleo Moore and family of Elk Grove, CA.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Ned Vermilion; parents Raymond Caton and Hazel (Dellard) Caton, and brother Ray Caton.

There will be no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the animal welfare group of one's choice or the Alzheimer's Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Arrangements are in the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfunerahome.com.