Greenville – Shirley “Shan” Carlson Snell, 80, passed away peacefully January 15, 2026, at Northern Light CA Dean Hospital, Greenville. She was born February 24, 1945, in Rockland.

After surviving a tragic car accident at just five years old that took the lives of both of her parents, Shan showed a strength and resilience that would define her life. She went on to become a determined student and an accomplished basketball player, working her way through Rockland High School with perseverance and grit.

Shan later graduated from Gorham State College, and completed her education by earning her master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine. She then pursued her passion for teaching English in the Gorham school system.

Over 61 years of marriage, Wayne and Shan built a life filled with love, hard work, and shared success, from running multi-level marketing ventures to managing sporting camps for nearly two decades. In her later years, Shan owned and operated Flatlanders Pub, where, in her words, she “had the best customers.”

Above all else, Shan cherished her family, especially her grandchildren. She had a deep and unwavering love for her grandsons Colby, Caleb, and Cullen, and for her only granddaughter, Shayli. She was thankful beyond words for the gift of meeting her three great-grandbabies.

Whether by the ocean or at the lake, Shan was happiest when she could see the water, a reflection of her peaceful spirit and deep appreciation for life’s simple beauty.

Shan is survived by her loving husband, Wayne Snell; three children, Kerri Snell Post, Scott Snell and his wife, Alison, and Shana Snell Cirulli and her husband, Tony; grandchildren, Colby Snell and his wife, Anna, Caleb Snell and his significant other, Taylor, Cullen Snell and his significant other, Maren, and Shayli Cirulli and her significant other, Thomas; great-granddaughters, Hadley, Haidyn, and Holland Snell; and her loving dog, Sochi. She was predeceased by her mother, Mary Maker Carlson; her father, Carl Carlson; and her sister, Alice Beckwith.

The family is thankful for the compassionate care and support they received from the staff at Northern Light CA Dean Hospital and in turn ask that donations be sent to the hospital in lieu of flowers, https://give.northernlighthealth.org/campaign/651159/donate.

The family invites everyone to celebrate Shan’s life with them 5-8PM Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Shana and Tony’s home, 341 Rockwood Road, Greenville Junction. The family asks that you all wear Shan’s favorite color, blue, to the celebration of life. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.