Newport Librarian Shirley V. Waters of Jamestown Dies at 95

Newport Librarian Shirley V. Waters of Jamestown Dies at 95

Shirley V. Waters, 95, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, October 3, 2022. She was the widow of the late Richard “Dick” Waters. Raised in North Easton, MA, a daughter of the late Joseph and Ellen Anderson.

 

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Shirley had a love of books that began early in her childhood. As a high school student, she first worked at the Ames Memorial Library. Shirley then continued at the Boston Public Library as she earned her degrees at Boston University and Simmons college. It as at BPL that Shirley met her future husband, marrying in 1953. In 1959, the family, which now also included a son, moved to Jamestown. She was to gain a position as Assistant Librarian at Newport Public Library where she worked until her retirement in 1992 after 26 years of service.

 

Shirley was an active member of the Jamestown Community Chorus, serving as its music librarian. Proud of her Swedish heritage, she was a lifelong member of the Vasa Order of America. An avid baker, her chocolate cake was a favorite of both sides of her family.

 

Shirley loved to travel, starting in her childhood with regular trips to New Hampshire and Vermont. Later she made numerous tours to Europe and the British Isles with her husband. She also had great enjoyment visiting the western US with her favorites being the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota. And always there were books, her constant companions.

 

She is survived by her son, Geoffrey Waters of New York City.

 

There will be a family graveside at Cedar Cemetery in Jamestown at 11 am on Friday, October 7, 2022.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to either Jamestown Philomenian Library or Jamestown Ambulance Association.