Shirley M. DeGange, age 91, formerly of Old Saybrook, passed away Feb. 6 at the Suffield House in Suffield, after declining health related to dementia. She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph and daughter Susan. She is survived by Susan’s two daughters and her son Paul.

She was born in Portland, Maine, and graduated from the Gorham State Teachers College before moving to Connecticut in the early 50s. She loved to teach and taught public school in Westbrook before starting her own preschool, which she operated for many years. After retiring, Shirley was active in community organizations and loved to travel. Her favorite places to visit were Africa and Alaska.

She will be buried beside her husband at the veterans cemetery in Middletown.