Shirley F. Welch, resident of Westbrook, Higgins Beach and The Vineyards community in Naples, Florida during her retirement, died peacefully May 15, 2015 at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford, with her loving family at her bedside.   Shirley was born September 18, 1925, only daughter of Mary (Pedneault) and William Foye. She attended Westbrook schools and graduated in 1943 from Westbrook High.   After high school Shirley went to work at Westbrook Gas Company on Main Street. It was there she took note of young attorney Roger Welch as he walked from his office to conduct his daily business at the bank. Soon the determined young Shirley seemed to also have business at the bank at the same time Roger did. As one dear lifelong friend of Shirley always said, "Roger never stood a chance." Shirley and Roger were married May 9, 1953 at St. Mary's in Westbrook.   Shirley and Roger became friends with many other young couples in Westbrook. Little did they know, that early, the depth and importance of those lifelong friendships. These friends were always there for each other through all the ups and downs of life – no matter what, the friendships never wavered. Shirley felt blessed and very fortunate to be a part of something so rare and special.   Life became complete for Shirley and Roger with the adoption of their two children. They welcomed into their home daughter Kelly in 1959 and son Kevin in 1962. Family was very important to Shirley, so she chose to be a stay-at-home mom for her kids.   Shirley was very active outside the home as well, with many varied interests. She was an avid and skilled golfer, and she and Roger were members at Portland Country Club for 60 years. A member of the Southern Maine Women's Golf Association, Shirley won many tournaments throughout her "career" and even carded a hole-in-one at PCC. Shirley loved to get together with friends to play Bridge. Contract Bridge was the preferred game, as Shirley said "Rubber Bridge is for amateurs!"   Summers were spent at Higgins Beach, where another group of wonderful, lifelong friends were made. After 1990, the Welches enjoyed a very active retirement: winter in Florida, summer at Higgins Beach, and the shoulder seasons in Westbrook. Blessed with good health, Shirley and Roger still played golf 3-4 days week, well into their 80s. They were also very fortunate to have a core group of dear, fun loving friends in Florida too.   After Roger passed in 2010, Shirley moved to the assisted living center at Atlantic Heights in Saco. There she made many new friends, and quickly adjusted her card playing career to poker, where she got great joy from regularly beating the men at their own game. She was known to all as the "Hat Lady" for her array of colorful brimmed hats for all occasions.   Shirley's life was filled with much fun, with family and friends, and with the love of her life. She simply had a great time.   Shirley was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Roger in 2010, and her three brothers, Raymond, Arthur and Mac. She is survived by her two children; daughter Kelly and husband Terry Cain of Scarborough and their children, daughter Devin and sons Conor and Colin; and son Kevin and wife Patti (Dwyer) of Hollis and their three sons, Nicholas, Alex and fiancée Ashley, and Zachary and his fiancée Victoria. Shirley is also survived by one great-grandson, Zachary Jr., who was the joy of her life in her final months. No one could make Shirley laugh and smile like "Little Zach," right up until the hours just before she passed. She also leaves behind many beloved nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins.   The Welch family would like to express its sincere appreciation for the wonderful end-of-life care Shirley received at Southern Maine Health Care. The doctors, nurses and staff went above and beyond to make Shirley's last days comfortable, dignified and meaningful.   Visitation will be Tuesday, May 19, 2010 from 4:00-7:00 PM, at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 25 Church St., Westbrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, May 20 at St. Anthony's Church, Brown St., Westbrook, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Hyacinth's Cemetery.