STOCKHOLM, Maine – Shirley Miriam Anderson Sjostedt passed away peacefully on Nov. 7, 2017, with family by her side. She was born in Stockholm on May 24, 1928, to Gosta “Happy” and Miriam (Fogelin) Anderson.
Shirley was born and raised in Stockholm and attended school there until the 10th grade. She graduated from Ricker High School in Houlton and later received her Bachelor degree in Education from the University of Maine in 1968. She was proud of the fact that all five of her children were present to watch her receive her diploma. She was the teaching principal of both the New Sweden and Stockholm Elementary Schools along with other area teaching positions. Upon retirement she took a job administering standardized tests all over the state of Maine. In her later years, she taught the AARP Defensive Driving Class in Aroostook County.
Shirley loved to volunteer her time and energy in her community. She was the last of the original founding members of the Perkins-Plourde Legion Auxiliary. She contributed numerous hours to giving tours at the Stockholm Museum along with setting up displays to showcase artifacts. She was active at Trinity Lutheran Church and attended Bible Study almost till the end. She served on the board of directors for ACAP for many years. It would be impossible to recount all of her achievements and activities that she had a hand in.
Shirley is survived by her five children, John (Jane) Sjostedt of Stockholm, Andrea Searles (Rick Nichols) of Valdez, Alaska, Donald (Marie) Sjostedt and David Sjostedt of Cordova, Alaska, and Lori Costello of Stockholm; grandchildren, Todd, Simon, Sam, Erica, Brad, Carissa, Kara, Sean, Valerie, Jesse, and Vanessa, along with nine great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Shirley made numerous trips to Alaska to visit with family and friends over the years and considered the state as her second home.
Celebration of life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stockholm on Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. with Reverend Bob Smith officiating. Interment will immediately follow at the New Sweden Cemetery. Following the service a gathering will be held in the church basement for refreshments and continued remembrance. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Stockholm Historical Society, PO Box 1, Stockholm, ME 04783. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.lancastermorgan.com
