Obituary of Jean S. Welch

Jean S. Welch, 96, wife of the late Ernest Welch, went to be with the Lord on August 18, 2011 in Belfast. She was born on Sept. 23,1914, daughter of James and Susan (Robertson) Shanks. Jean was educated in the Millinocket schools, graduating from Stearns High School Class of 1932. She graduated from Farmington Normal School Class of 1943, later receiving her B.S. degree from the UMaine. Jean was a kindergarten teacher in Millinocket, retiring in 1978. She was a member of the Millinocket Baptist Church for over 70 years. Jean was a member of the National Retired Teachers' Association and Maine Teachers Association. She is survived by a daughter, Sandra Daly; a son, Ernest and Diane Welch; brother James Shanks (Junior), and a dear sister-in-law, Doris Shanks; grandchildren Jean and Dr. David Campbell; Laila and Gerald Papin; Erin Welch and fiance Trevor Watt; and Matthew Welch; great-grandchildren Jonathan, Matthew, Savannah Campbell, Madison and Callahan Papin; very dear nieces Ethel Doyle and husband Stanley, Jolene Roop and husband Joseph, and Jean Goodman, a well as many other nieces and nephews, and the “Club Girls” Nadine Boynton, Barbara Elliot, Alice Shaw, Marjorie Pinette, Joan Oliver, and Marion Williams. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Dr. Emmett Daly; sister Susan Barrie and Robert; brother Stewart Shanks and Alice; and nephew James Shanks. Jean spent many hours crocheting blankets and sweaters for underprivileged children and always found time to cheer on her beloved Red Sox. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 27 at 11:00 am at the Millinocket Baptist Church. Interment will be at the Millinocket Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Jean may be sent to the Millinocket Baptist Church, 297 Penobscot Ave. or to the Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, Maine 04462. Arrangements under the care of Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast.