Shirley Mae (Downing) Montandon

October 21, 1937 - February 20, 2020

Shirley Mae Montandon of Topsham, VT passed away peacefully at UVM Medical Center on February 20, 2020 surrounded by her family. She was born October 21, 1937 in Topsham, VT the daughter of Albert F. Downing and Emma (Stevens) Downing.She attended Bradford Academy and was one of the first woman licensed mechanics in the state of Vermont, which she used at Hassie and Ed's Texaco in East Corinth Vermont where she was part owner.She married Harold Edgar White on August 25, 1956. She later married Henry Montandon on November 20, 1971.Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family and friends especially having parties where she would make her bean hole beans. She was an outdoors woman who loved hunting, fishing, digging ginseng, sugaring, and riding her four-wheeler. Shirley took pride in growing a big vegetable garden and spent hours canning and making jelly. She also loved making her flower gardens look beautiful. She also enjoyed making quilts.Shirley is survived by her son, Henry Montandon of Topsham, VT, brothers, Edgar Downing , Albert (Sonny) Downing, Dustin Downing and wife Eva all of Topsham, VT, and Richard Downing and wife Tracy of Corinth, VT, sisters, Alberta Sweet, Janice Emerson, and Joyce Meyette all of Topsham, VT, Sharon Emerson and husband Ralph of South Ryegate, VT, grandchildren, Brooke Hayward-Miller and husband John of Topsham, VT, Gene Welch and wife Jennifer of Wells River, VT, George Welch, and Justin Welch and wife Amanda both of Topsham, VT, Danyeil Montandon, Lillian Montandon, and Chase Montandon all of Topsham, VT, great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Shirley Hayward, Michael and Taylor Welch, George and Owen Welch, and Elizabeth Welch, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.Shirley was predeceased by her parents and both husbands, a daughter, Darlene Welch, her grandson-in-law Ned Hayward, brothers, George Downing, James Downing, and Donald Downing, sisters, Jesse Gilman, Irene Wilson, and Patricia Flint, and a niece, Anne Downing.At her request there will be a graveside service at the Waits River Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements are by Hale Funeral Home of Bradford, VT. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Shirley Mae (Downing) Montandon, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.