Shirley F. Boone

Shirley F. (Dragon) Boone, 78, of 59 Eastwood Circle, Gardner and formerly of 121 Ryan Street, Gardner, passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2010 in Legend Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Gardner, following a long illness.
She was predeceased by her husband whom she loved and missed very much, Reggie Boone, who died in 2008.
Shirley was born on January 29, 1932, in Sheldon, Vermont, the daughter of the late Joseph Dragon of New York and Doris (Fontaine) Dragon of Canada.
Shirley was a lifelong resident of Gardner and was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Gardner.
Being such a gregarious person, she very much enjoyed working in retail. She worked at J.C. Penney, Grants Department Store and for many years at Rich's Department Store, from which she retired in 1993.
As a loving wife and mother, she possessed many attributes; witty, fun-loving, spirited, warmhearted and caring. Shirley had a real zest for life. She loved music, particularly Country music and enjoyed watching movies. Shirley also loved to go shopping, flea marketing and to yard sales. She enjoyed time with her family most of all.
Two passions filled her life - the love for her husband and family and the love of animals. She owned Windswept Kennels where she raised and sold German Shepherds, Afghan Hounds and Salukis. She was a member of the American Kennel Club and the Canadian Kennel Club. She traveled throughout New England to show her Afghan Hounds and Salukis. An innumerable amount of ribbons and prizes were awarded to her in the show ring. Shirley also participated in the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in New York.
She will be sadly missed by her two daughters, Debra Balins and her husband John of Biloxi, Mississippi and Jackie Lafond and her husband Anthony of Ashburnham; three brothers, Richard Dragon, Ronald Dragon and his wife Kathy and David Dragon; five grandchildren, Jessica Allard and her husband Rob, Zachariah Balins, Curtis Lafond and his wife Erin, Jennifer Lafond and Ross Lafond; four great-grandchildren, Amber Brown, Autumn Brown, Alexia Allard and Marshall Lafond.
Family and friends are invited to remember and honor Shirley by attending her Funeral Services on Saturday, December 11, 2010 from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner with a Mass at 12:00 p.m. in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner. Burial will be in Green Bower Cemetery, Gardner.
Calling hours in the funeral home will be Friday, December 10, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gardner Animal Shelter, 899 W. Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440.

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