BANGOR – Winifred Shaw Melvin, 100, wife of the late Walter B. Melvin, died March 11, 2010, at her home. She was born May 16, 1909, in Augusta, the first of six children of Frederick and Abby (Carleson) Shaw. Wini was a talented artist and a noted basketball and track star. The 1928 Cony High School yearbook said, “Winnie Shaw was the point gainer of the year. She and her sister, Hazel, were undoubtedly the best pair of forwards in the state.” Wini went on to study art education at Pratt Institute, New York City, where she graduated in 1931. Returning to Maine after college, she managed Quimby Art Store, Augusta, for several years. In 1940 she married Walter B. Melvin of Fairfield. In 1942 son Walter Jr. was born. During World War II, while husband Walter was in the Navy, Wini worked as a supply agent for Shaw Lumber Co., traveling around the state in their 1941 Ford, searching out parts and supplies for the mill, a critical wartime business. After the war, the family moved to Bangor where son Frederick S. Melvin was born in 1947. Wini was active in the PTA, Bangor Music Parents Association and The Hill Top Club, and held an active 60-year membership with Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, national women’s service organization, where she was the recipient of many awards for her service. She is survived by two sons, Walter Melvin and his wife, Sarah, of New York City and Frederick Melvin of Pittsfield; her brother, Joseph Shaw of Augusta; sister-in-law, Esther Shaw of Chelsea; daughter-in-law, Susan Longley Melvin of Brewer; and grandchildren, John Melvin and his wife, Mary, of Greenwich, Conn., Emily Melvin Vigue and her husband, Andi, of Pittsfield, Mark Melvin and his wife, Renee, of Torrington, Conn., and Jenny Melvin Smith and her husband, T.J., of Bangor. She is also lovingly remembered by her eight great-grandchildren, Anastasia Melvin, Michael and Carolyn Melvin, Connor, Lily and Jenna Smith, Gregory and Caroline Vigue. A service of remembrance will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, March 25, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, with the Rev. Kathy Macedo, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, Bangor, officiating. Interment will be at Forest Grove Cemetery, Augusta. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments immediately after the service at Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. Gifts in her memory may be sent to Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St., Bangor, ME 04401, for the purchase of large print books. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
WINIFRED SHAW MELVIN
