Shirley Demetrules

Corinth, VT Shirley Long Demetrules, 90, of Corinth VT passed away peacefully on June 18th 2021. She was attended by the quiet calm and professional care of The Jack Byrne Center in Hanover, NH. Birds were singing through the window. Shirley's formative years were spent with Ralph and Luvia Emerson her maternal grandparents on their farm nestled in the hills of Topsham VT. Shirley graduated from Bradford Academy with high honors. While working at The Chimes Restaurant in Bradford she met the love of her life William "Bill" Demetrules. Shirley was blessed with a brilliant mind and attended at the University of Vermont. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, focusing on French and Latin. Shirley was the highest ranked woman in her class. Upon graduation she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and offered a chance to study at La Sorbonne in Paris, France. Shirley went on to teach French and Latin and spoke often of how much she loved to teach. Shirley worked with her husband at Bill's Restaurant in Bradford, VT. She also worked for the Vermont Department of Education for more than 20 years. After she retired, Shirley and Bill made a memorable trip to Greece, Bill's homeland, a highlight of their years together. Whether friend, family or stranger, one was always assured of a hearty warm welcome and a cup of tea from Shirley. She would stop whatever she was doing to visit. She was known for delicious homemade bread, pies, baked beans and peanut butter fudge. You might find her doing almost anything, she might be on the roof of the barn patching a hole, working in her beautiful flower gardens or if there was a spot anywhere she would dig a hole and plant a tree. She was never without a project, be it crocheting, knitting, sewing, rug braiding, quilting, painting, lace making, cooking, gardening, food preserving, or anything else that caught her eye. Shirley loved animals and nature and rescued cats and dogs too numerous to count, she was a lover of wildlife and befriended many a wild animal as well. She was above all a kind person and bestowed that kindness on family and friends throughout her life. Shirley is survived by her daughter Eleni Demetrules, sisters Grace Viens, Luvia Callahan, Hope Emerson, Heidi Gardner Peyton, brothers Robert Long and Stephen Gardner, their spouses, and her many adored nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Bill Demetrules, Mother Sophronia "Betty" Gardner and husband Harold, father Earl Long and wife Hazel, , brother Earl Long JR, and sister Sandra Gardner. Memorial Contributions in Shirley's name may be made to The Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Rte. 10, Enfield, NH 03748. Calling hours are Saturday July 31 from 5-7 PM at Hale's Funeral Home in Bradford, VT. Burial will be private. Shirley quietly practiced random acts of kindness and with that her family offers this anonymous quote. "Parfois les miracles sont les gens aux curs gentils - Sometimes miracles are people with kind hearts." To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Shirley Demetrules, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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Shirley Demetrules

June 18, 2021