Shirley Bredemeier retires after 21-year postal career years ago
Shirley Bredemeier spent her childhood years in Marion, the daughter of Lucille and the late Junior Bredemeier. But, as much as her home town means to her, Shirley "made her mark in New Hampshire."
When she was 28, Shirley joined the Army where she became a physical therapy technician. She moved from station to station, ending her military career in Washington, D.C. in 1974.
She visited New Hampshire on a skiing trip and fell in love with the area.
In 1982 Shirley moved to the Granite State, settling in Northwood and taking a job at the Suncook Post Office.
At her retirement party, after 21 years of faithful and cheerful service, her postmaster, Doug Dow, said they will not be mailing her retirement check to Shirley, they want her to drop by the office in person.
He said she is a popular person who is loved by the staff.
"In the winter, on her lunch break, she would take her 4x4 and a plow and clean up the parking lot. Or, she'd get a shovel and clear the walkway," he said. "That's just the way she is."
He didn't realize that Shirley came by those skills naturally, learning from her father who kept Marion's streets clear of snow many winters.
On her last day of duty, fellow workers showered Shirley with flowers, balloons, cards, and well wishes.
"I cried all day," she said, "They did so much for me."
In the future she plans to "play and take in all that life has to offer."
