MILLINOCKET and BELFAST – Jean S. Welch, 96, wife of the late Ernest Welch, went to be with the Lord, Aug. 18, 2011, in Belfast. She was born 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 Bachelor of Science degree from University of Maine. Jean was a kindergarten teacher in Millinocket, retiring in 1978. She was a member of Millinocket Baptist Church for more than 70 years. Jean was a member of National Retired Teachers’ Association and Maine Teachers Association. 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.
She is survived by a daughter, Sandra Daly; a son, Ernest and Diane Welch; brother, James Shanks “Junior;” 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; as 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.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Millinocket Baptist Church. Interment will be at Millinocket Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Jean may be sent to Millinocket Baptist Church, 297 Penobscot Ave., Millinocket, ME 04462 or Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, ME 04462. Arrangements under the care of Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast.