The recent passing of Claire Sheltry, who served for more than 25 years in the Town Clerk’s office and who retired in 2007 as the last elected Town Clerk before the implementation of the new Winthrop Town Charter, marks the end of an era in our community.
Claire was the consummate professional who was dedicated to providing the residents of Winthrop with outstanding and friendly service. Prior to being elected to the clerk’s job herself, she worked in the clerk’s office under outstanding town clerks Marie Turner and Paul Dawson, both of whom acknowledged that Claire was the backbone of their office.
On a personal level, Claire was the last of the five siblings of the Yirrell family, who were long-time Pt. Shirley residents. Yirrell Beach on the Point is named after her oldest brother, Frederick W. Yirrell Jr., a Navy fighter pilot who was killed in action in WWII in the battle of Okinawa.
We know we join with many of our long-time fellow residents in offering our condolences to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. May she rest in peace.