MADISON – Shirley Arveen Klimavicz Richard, 82, passed away Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, after a long illness. She was born March 23, 1929, in Dover-Foxcroft, the daughter of Anthony and Dorothy (Dunphy) Klimavicz.
She attended Husson College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in business and later earned her master’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. In 1986 she was inducted into Husson College Sports Hall of Fame for basketball and in 1991 she was named Outstanding Alumnus at Husson. In 1991 she received an honorary doctorate from Husson College, where she was “hooded” by her close friend, Sen. Margaret Chase Smith. In 1997 Shirley was cast to play the role of Sen. Margaret Chase Smith in the local production of “A Woman of Destiny” and for many years presented Sen. Smith’s “Declaration of Conscience” speech to various organizations. Shirley started her teaching career in 1949 at Mattanawcook Academy, Pemetic High School, Skowhegan High School and Madison High School, where she continued to work until her retirement in 1979. While teaching business and English at Madison High School, she met and married Alexander Richard in 1954. In the fall of 1994, the Alex and Shirley K. Richard Academic Wing was dedicated in their honor. There was also a scholarship set up in Alex Richard’s name for a deserving student that is given out each year. Shirley was active in General Federation of Women’s Clubs, and a member of GFWC/Madison Woman’s Club for more than 50 years and a past president. She also served as president for GFWC/Maine Federation of Women’s Clubs. Her President’s Project was the establishment of a trust fund for the purchase of books at Carnegie Library at Good Will-Hinckley. In 1992, for the 100th celebration of the MFWC, she wrote the book entitled, “Historical Sketches-1950-1992,” updated previous books preserving the history of the MFWC. She was also a member of the board of directors for GFWC from 1988 through 2004. In 1969 Shirley wrote a book on the life and works of Florence Burrill Jacobs, a noted Maine author from East Madison. In 1983 Shirley was appointed to the State Board of Education. In 1995 she followed her husband’s footsteps and served for four terms as a state representative, representing District 97. She was a past president of several organizations, which included Maine Council of English Language Arts, Maine and Madison Teachers’ Association, Somerset County Retired Teachers’ Association, Women’s Legislative Council and Lakewood Ladies Golf Association. She was a communicant at St. Sebastian Church, where she was also president of the parish council and a lector. She and her husband also donated one of the side alters to the church. Each year, the Maine Council of English Language Arts presents an annual Shirley K. Richard Award to an outstanding Maine English teacher. Shirley also served on the board of trustees of Husson College, the board of directors of Margaret Chase Smith Library, was a member of Madison Historical Society, and as a trustee of Madison Library. She served as Master of Ceremonies of the Father Rasle Days and in 1999, the Town of Madison dedicated their annual report to Shirley for her “contributions to help elevate this community to its fullest potential, for teaching your students to strive to be all they could be, and for caring and dedicating your life to the service of others.”
She is survived by her cousins, John Klimavicz of Baton Rouge, La., Richard Dunphy of San Francisco, Paul Klimavicz of Lisbon Falls, Patricia Woodward of Portland, Katherine Wright of Plainsfield, Conn., Richard Douglas of California and Edward Craine of Dover-Foxcroft; as well as many nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband in 1994; and a sister, Barbara Klimavicz. The family of Shirley wishes to extend grateful appreciation to the following family and friends who provided their time, love and care through the years: special cousin, John and Gynne Klimavicz; special relatives, Rosalie Perkins, Karen Deady, Diane Bourossa, Robert Hupper and Toby Gower; and friends, Don and Nelda Chase and Davida Barter. A special thanks to Oak Grove and nursing staff for their excellent care during her last days.
Viewing hours will be held 4-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Main Street, Madison. Burial will be at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Madison. Donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074; Madison Public Library, 12 Old Point Ave., Madison, ME 04950; Madison High School Scholarship Fund, 486 Main St., Madison, ME 04950; or to a charity of one’s choice.