VASSALBORO - Shirley G. Hardy, 75, of Vassalboro died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation & Nursing Care at Gray Birch, Augusta. Born May 19, 1933, Shirley was the freckle-faced, curly haired, red-headed little girl of Gordon and Hazel Louise (Glidden) Gerard. When she married Clayton Hardy, her husband of 50 years, her father-in-law, Ronald said, 'Marry her for her pretty legs, if nothing more.' When the children were young, during car rides, she would sing to them. The two standards were, 'The Easter Parade' and 'Little Red Wagon.' These two songs have now been sung to the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren. When her grandsons were teens, they got involved in stock car racing. At the track, Shirley was known as 'the lollipop lady' for many years. She would pass out lollipops to all the kids sitting in the stands around her. Shirley loved doing many things in her life. These included spending time with her children and grandchildren. When Byron's girls were little, they would have to take turns going to Nana and Gampa's for the weekend. They didn't seem to mind, as their time spent with them was extra special. Shirley's love of baking was an understatement. She would, surprisingly, show up at her daughter's work and then her grandson's with cookies and pastries for everyone. There were never any leftovers, ever. In her middle years, Shirley loved motorcycles so much that she had to have one of her own. She was no passenger in any area of her life. She and Clayton rode all over the place with their friends, Norman and Lorraine. Shirley was so talented that she made all the gowns and cakes for all her daughters' weddings. She was always available to hem a pair of pants or repair clothes at a moment's notice. Her activities revolved around what her children and grandchildren were doing in their lives. High school sports for Adam and Brent were her great passion and she was their biggest fan. Shirley's hobbies included playing cards; doing ceramics, where she had her own shop; cross stitching and quilting. She was always doing some kind of craft. Best of all was shopping. She never had to have an excuse to hit the stores and bring home some bargains. After shopping, she would go out to eat with her sister, Gerry. She traveled with her friend, Rhoda, to Florida and many other places with the kids in tow. She loved to dance the jitterbug with her brother, Marty. She loved a good cup of coffee and a hot bowl of soup with anyone who would join her. We love you, Mom. You are the best friend we will ever have. Shirley is survived by her husband, Clayton; her son, Byron Stevens, of Leeds; her daughters, Sharon Hardy Pratt, of Winthrop, Sheila Roy and her husband, Glenn, of Clearwater, Fla., and Sandra Rice and her husband, Clayton, of Vassalboro; her siblings, Gerry Pouliot, of Chelsea, Martin Gerard, of Gardiner, Betty Austin, of Chelsea, and Evelyn Hutchinson, of Augusta; her grandchildren, Tracey Stevens Wheeler, Stacey Badillo, Shelley Sirois, Brent Roy, Ashleigh Overlock and Adam Pratt; six step-grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers, three sisters and one grandson, Byron Stevens III. Relatives and friends may visit from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. A celebration of her life will take place at noon on Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Glenn Peterson officiating. Burial will be at the new Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. www.khrfuneralhomes.com