Shirley A. Doerfler

Shirley Andres Doerfler died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at the age of 102. She was born on May 26th, 1923 to the late Roland and Wilhemina (Schlayer) Andres. A lifelong resident of Southington, Shirley attended school in a one room schoolhouse and graduated Valedictorian from Lewis High School. She then met the love of her life, Benjamin Doerfler, and they married on November 14, 1942. They were married for 69 years. Shirley worked for many years at Peck, Stow and Wilcox as an executive secretary and retired from Clark Brothers Bolt Company in Milldale after 35 years of service.

Shirley enjoyed traveling and saw every U.S. state except Alaska. She also enjoyed baking, knitting, mowing her lawn and of course, watching UCONN women’s basketball.

Shirely goes on to meet her husband, Ben, son, Peter Doerfler, grandson, Daniel Doerfler, son-in-law, Thomas McLaughlin and her brother, Russell Andres and his wife Barbara. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Doerfler McLaughlin, daughter-in-law, Gail Hopkins Doerfler, her grandchildren; Benjamin Doerfler (Catherine), Scott Doerfler (Kimberly), Patrick McLaughlin (Sara), Timothy McLaughlin (Lynn), Phyllis Fernandez (Eddie), James McLaughlin and Thomas McLaughlin. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren, who all lovingly called her “Gigi.”

In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to a local VFW (https://www.vfw.org/).

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Burial will follow in South End Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 10 – 11 a.m. at the funeral home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.