Obituary of Shelley Elizabeth Vaughan

Shelley Keene Vaughan Shelley Elizabeth (Keene) Vaughan passed away peacefully on Dec. 26, 2014 at the Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast, ME after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. As she did throughout her life, Shelley kept a light-hearted and caring spirit to the end of her days. Born on June 17, 1951, Shelley is the oldest daughter of George and Elizabeth Keene of Bridgton, ME. She graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in education, and taught at several school districts before settling at the Kermit S. Nickerson School in Swanville. There she taught kindergarten and reading recovery for many years until her retirement in 2011. Shelley was a dedicated teacher and loved her students and you can tell the feelings were mutual from the many cards she received from her former students. Shelley was a caring person who was involved in multiple local organizations and charities. She served as president of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society promoting women educators, supported Books for Babes, was a Girl Scout Troop leader and, in retirement, continued to donate her time helping teachers in their classrooms. Shelley had many hobbies including quilting, hand card stamping, knitting and cross-stitch. She is a past member of the Pine Tree Quilters Guild and the Waldo County Craft Co-op. She combined her love of crafts and her giving spirit by donating quilts to ABC Quilts for Babies and Project Linus, red scarves to the AMA, purple hats to preemies, knitted caps for chemo patients and made cards for various organizations. When she wasn’t crafting, Shelley enjoyed reading, watching the Red Sox and spending time with her grandchildren. Shelley is survived by her husband William “Bill” Vaughan of Belfast and daughter, Maghan Zorlak of Attleboro, MA. Maghan and her husband Haris blessed Shelley with two grandchildren, whom she adored, Malena Elizabeth and Kayden George Zorlak. She is also survived by her parents, George and Elizabeth Keene of Bridgton, a sister, Vickie Fulton (Temple) of Elizabethton, TN and two brothers, Matthew Keene (Shirley) of Hilton, NY and Jonathan Keene (Denise) of Falmouth, ME — as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. The “Sunshine Group” was a large part of Shelley’s extended family and they, as well as her many other close friends, offered love, support and comfort during Shelley’s illness. This kindness is appreciated beyond words. The family would also like to give thanks to the staff at Waldo County Hospital for their help, love and care shown to Shelley during her final days. A scholarship fund is being established in Shelley’s name for graduates of Belfast Area High School. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Shelley Vaughan Scholarship, 98 Waldo Ave, Belfast ME 04915. A celebration of her life will be held at First Church of Belfast, 8 Court St, on Saturday, Jan 3, at 11am.