SHIRLEY ELAINE MORRILL

BRISTOL — Shirley Elaine Morrill, 89, of Bristol, Vt., passed away peacefully at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing in Berlin, Vt., on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Feb. 8, 1936, in Starksboro, Vt., where she spent her childhood before making her home in Bristol. Shirley had fond memories of her time living on the Kilbourn Farm and lived independently at Pleasant Hills Apartments in Bristol until June 2025.

Shirley selflessly stepped in to help raise her niece, Roberta (Blair) Booska, forming a lifelong, loving bond with Roberta and her family. To all who knew her, Shirley was more than an aunt — she was like a grandmother.

Her career involved many years at Drake Smith and Company, where she assembled furniture. Later, she enjoyed her work as a custodian at Bristol Elementary, where she was known for her strong work ethic and reliability.

Shirley will be remembered for her deep love of animals and family. She was affectionately nicknamed a “spitfire” while living at Woodridge for her quick wit and honesty, often making staff laugh. Her coffee table was always filled with candy, and she never missed a chance to enjoy sweets, ice cream, or desserts. She delighted in simple pleasures, like a McKenzie hotdog, and was rarely seen without her trusty pocketknife.

She is survived by her great niece, Kelly (Booska) Bishop (Peter); great niece Karry Booska (TG); great-great-nephew Zoriath Booska (Hannah); great-great-nieces Brooke Blossom (Cam) and Kayla Thompson (Antonio); and great-great-great-niece Miley Thompson and great-great-great-nephew Summit Aldrighetti.

She was predeceased by her parents, Nathan and Jennie Morrill (Brown); her siblings, Alvin Morrill, Edna Murray, Arlene Morrill, and Helen LaRue; and her niece, Roberta (Blair) Booska, who was like a daughter to her.

She will forever be loved and deeply missed by her family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown McClay Funeral Home in Bristol, Vermont. A memorial service and burial will be held in late spring or early summer, with details to be announced in the Addison Independent. ◊