Celeste H. Sheldon

1922 - 2014

Celeste Hawkins Sheldon, 91, of Bloomfield, CT died on February 22, 2014 in Ft. Pierce, FL. Born in Woodfield, MD on March 1, 1922, Celeste graduated from Damascus High School in Damascus, MD and Blue Ridge College in Windsor, MD. In 1945 she married the late Frank P. Sheldon of Manchester, CT. They were married for 63 years. Celeste served as a Sgt. in the Women's Reserve US Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945. She resided in Manchester, CT from 1946 to 1989 and moved to Riverpoint, East Hartford, CT until 2002. Seabury Retirement Community in Bloomfield, CT was her home until her death. She wintered in Ft. Pierce, FL for over 20 years. Celeste leaves her loving children, Elaine S. Keith Macdonald of Atlanta, GA, James Lee Sheldon of Boston, MA, and Bette Sheldon Long of Boulder, CO. Her son William Phelps Sheldon is deceased. His wife, Rev. Jaclyn Sheldon, remained close friends as did her goddaughter Donna S. Haack of Vernon, CT. Her grandchildren include Casey Keith, Brendan Keith, Jesse Sheldon, David Sheldon, Dana Long, Samuel Long, Brian Long, Justin Long, and Megan McGuinness. Celeste also had 6 great grandchildren: Matthew, Amy, and James Keith; Claire and Lane McGuinness; and William Sheldon. Celeste made many contributions to the community through her work with the American Cancer Society driving patients to treatment. She was a lifetime member of the Manchester Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, volunteer for the YWCA, Homemaker Services, and chairwoman of the Commission on Aging in Manchester. Celeste was an excellent golfer, bridge player, and great chef. She was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and the DAR. She and her husband were founding members of Ellington Ridge Country Club and she was a member of the CT Women's Golf Association. Celeste Sheldon was a vibrant, impressive, and courageous woman. An amazing lady to the end, she will be missed. Donations to help the homeless and the poor can be sent to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 220 Valley St., Willimantic, CT 06226 or donate on-line at stpaulswillimantic.org. A memorial service will be held on April 12, 2014 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 41 Park Street, Manchester, CT at 10:00 AM. To sign the online register book go to www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com.