FREEPORT — Shirlie Copp, 91, died in her home Aug. 10. She was born in Freeport, daughter of Harold and Martha Pettengill Curtis. Her youth was spent on South Street, and she attended local schools, graduating from Freeport High School in 1938.

Copp 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, Copp 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 68 years. After George’s stint in the Army in World War II, they settled at Porter’s Landing in Freeport, where they started their family and managed a small farm. While George worked during the day as a logger, Copp 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, 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, the couple 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. Copp loved to go for rides, here, there and everywhere, enjoying the sights. They would attend the state fairs each season, enjoying the horse and pony shows, and they made an annual trip to Fryeburg Fair with family.

Copp 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; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial gathering at at 1 p.m. Sept. 8 at the First Congregational Church of Durham. The church is located on the corner of routes 9 and 136.

Memorial contributions may be made in Copp’s name to: Coastal Human Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, ME  04011.

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Shirlie Copp