Shirley Grondin ... crocheted beautiful afghans; at 81

ROCHESTER - Shirley Grondin, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on March 29, 2026.

Shirley was born on December 18, 1944, in Rochester, New Hampshire, to Dorothy Nisbet and Alvin Sheldon. She attended Rochester schools and spent many years working as a hairstylist. In 2005, she married Paul R. Grondin, Jr., and they built a life together that brought her great happiness until his passing in 2018.

What defined Shirley was not her work, but how she showed up for people. She gave nearly 50 years to the recovery community through AA. She sponsored many and supported even more, always offering steady encouragement and hope. She welcomed people as they were and helped them find a healthier path. She would have received her 50-year chip this May.

She was straightforward, generous, and loyal. No one left her without a long hug and an "I love you," and she meant it every time. She was deeply proud of her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She crocheted beautiful afghans and gifts that we will always hold onto as reminders of her care and love.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother George "Skip" Sheldon, and her beloved dogs PJ, Taz, and Niki.

She leaves behind her children, Randy Chandler of Sandisfield, Massachusetts; Marshell Chandler and his wife, Kim, of Hancock, New Hampshire; and Dee Mondou and her husband, Mike, of Rochester. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jessica Baker and her husband, Rob of Westmoreland; Connor Mondou of Rochester; Cameron Mondou of Madbury; Chelsea Chandler and Bobby Chandler of Norfolk, Virginia; and Michael Wilson and his wife, Lindsey, of Kennebunk, Maine. Her great-grandchildren, River Baker, Ridge Baker, and Serena Chandler, brought her great joy. She also leaves many extended family members and a circle of dear friends who will miss her deeply.