Jean L. (Shay) Baldwin passed away Sunday, April 12th in Wolfeboro, NH. She was 79 years old. Jean was born in New Haven, CT on November 6, 1940 to John. D. and Lillian Pedersen Baldwin of Pine Orchard, CT.
She moved to Cheshire, CT at the age of ten where she became a long-time member of the Episcopal Church at St. Peter's. Jean’s many activities included the Young Peoples Fellowship, Sunday School teacher and a member of the Vestry. In her retirement, Jean also served as member of the Vestry at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Scituate, MA. In addition to her church activities, Jean was a member of the Waterbury Junior League and local Planned Parenthood. She was a key player in placing refugee families from Vietnam into new homes in Cheshire during the war. She also enjoyed performing in the Cheshire Community Theater.
Jean was a graduate of Vermont College and an avid reader, belonging to several book clubs throughout her life. She proudly represented her hometown, winning several pageants. She was a keen golfer and graceful skier. Jean's artistic talent won her awards throughout her life; she loved creating oil paintings, sketches, and watercolors. Professionally, Jean was very successful in local radio and television; she was part of the team that brought cable TV to Connecticut. Later on, she found more success in real estate as a partner at Hingham Centre Realty in Massachusetts.
She was a dedicated mother, sweet grandmother, loving daughter, and cherished and loyal friend. Jean is survived by her son, William H. Shay, III; daughter, Hilary Shay DiMauro and her husband Richard; granddaughter, Liliana S. DiMauro; brother, John D. Baldwin, Jr.; several nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sister, Joan Baldwin Chapman.
A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice, 1 Hampton Rd. Suite 210, Exeter, NH 03833 or St. Peter's Church Memorial Fund, 59 Main St. Cheshire CT 06410.