Obituary of Jean N. Sheldon

Putnam-Jean N. Sheldon, 87, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2015 surrounded by her family. She was one of eight children born to the late George and Mildred (Cole) Newman in Warwick, RI, on December 7, 1927. Jean graduated from Coventry High School and lived most her life in Foster, RI before moving to Putnam in 1987 after marrying Richard Sheldon on April 11. She was a wonderful and forgiving mother and lifelong friend who will be greatly missed. Jean was a 51 year cancer survivor, who lived her life to the fullest and gave back to the community as a volunteer at Day Kimball Hospital and to the people of Foster by being Rhode Island’s first female EMT and first to head up the Foster Ambulance Corps. She was a member of the Royal Travelers and Red Hat Society, an avid reader and cutthroat scrabble player. Jean is survived by her daughters: Laurie Goyette of Dayville, Cynthia Scotkin of St. Petersburg, FL, Luann Turner of Danielson, Meredith Kertula of Pomfret, Jon Ford of Hanover with whom she spent her last weeks, brothers: George Newman, Burke Pray, Lee Niles, 12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and longtime companion and dance partner Clifford Buttermark. She was predeceased by her husband Richard Sheldon, her son David Shippee and her sisters, Patricia Coyle, Shirley St. Germaine, Virginia Lawton and Jo-an Pray. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations in Jean’s name may be made to Camp Quinebaug in loving honor of Ron, Lolita and Monika Babiarz or to Hospice of SECT. Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com