Mrs. Ruth (Jeanne) N. Sheely

PITTSFIELD Ruth (Jeanne) Nadine Sheely of 73 Rose Terrace, died on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014. Born Sept. 9, 1925 in Chicago, Ill., she was the daughter of Cecil and Ruth Odell. Her family moved to Quincy, Ill. Jeanne graduated from Quincy High School and was a member of the National Honor Society. She started nursing school but had to leave when she married Edward James Sheely on July 21, 1944. Her husband died on July 3, 1998 after fifty five years of marriage. Jeanne was then blessed with the companion-ship of Granville Pruyne until his death in January, 2012. Edward and Jeanne had two children, Patricia Sheely of Pittsfield and Michael Sheely of Charlotte, N.C. who died in March 2001. Jeanne and Ed worked as a team to ensure that their children knew the value of an education and they both earned advanced college degrees. Jeanne was an athletic person who enjoyed camping, hiking, skiing and especially swimming. An expert swimmer she continued to swim into her seventies at the YMCA. Also enjoying music, she played the cello and piano. The last instrument she learned was the recorder by attending the Berkshire Music School for several years. In Pittsfield, Jeanne worked as a secretary at the Pittsfield Ordnance. Next she earned her Practical Nursing License and worked in a nursing home. The last employment she had was taking care of the elderly in their homes as an aide. Jeanne had a quick wit and dry sense of humor that she passed onto her children. She was a member of the South Congregational Church in Pittsfield and her faith was very important to her. She also loved having a dog in the family and also enjoyed wearing hats. Most of all she was a great mother, wife and loved family values. Jeanne is survived by her daughter, Pat Sheely of Pittsfield and her sister, Marilyn Penrose of Sierra Vista, Ariz. She is also survived by three grandchildren, two great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service for Mrs. Ruth (Jeanne) Sheely will be held at a later date at the South Congregational Church. Donations in her memory may be made to either South Congregational Church, 110 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 or to the Berkshire Music School, 30 Wendell Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Please visit www.wellingtonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Ruth (Jeanne) N. Sheely

September 9, 1925 - September 17, 2014