July 23, 1935- December 25, 2020
Shirley Rapose, 85, formerly of Woodstock, passed away on Friday, December 25, 2020 at Day Kimball Hospital from complications of COVID-19.
Born on July 23, 1935 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Raymond C. and Abbie L. (Easterbrook) Williams. She was a 1953 graduate of Woodstock Academy and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1957.
Shirley was a schoolteacher for over 50 years and always sought to bring out the best in her students. She began her teaching career at Eastford Elementary, where she taught 5th and 6th grade. In 1961, she became a teacher at Pomfret Community, where she taught 7th and 8th grade English and Literature for 37 years. After spending a few years in retirement, Shirley returned to teaching as a tutor at Rectory school, retiring from teaching in 2012. In 1994, she was named in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
In addition to teaching, Shirley was very active in local politics. In 1975, she became the first woman to be elected as First Selectman of Woodstock. She went on to serve several terms on the Board of Selectmen and was a member of the Board of Finance from 1995-2007. In 2008, she was recognized for her three decades of service to the Town of Woodstock.
Shirley leaves her children Tracey Brown of Woodstock and Steven Rapose of Woodstock, three grandchildren: Christopher Brown of Woodstock, Justin Rapose of Woodstock, and Joshua Brown of Hampden, Maine.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St. Putnam, CT. 06260. Due to the pandemic, services are postponed until the fall of 2021. Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the following organizations which she supported: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 20 Batterson Park Rd. 3rd floor, Farmington, CT. 06032, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
Deb gagnon
To an amazing person women friend teacher I learned so much from you I will always remember Steven and Tracey my heart ❤️ aches for you love and prayers your way from Deb Gagnon
Carol Miller
Such a great loss. My thoughts and prayers for the family. She made such a positive, unforgettable impression on my life. One of the best teachers ever!
Kathy (Mayo)Young
Mrs. Rapose was a big reason I became a teacher. Spent so much time with her fundraising when we were going to Washington DC. So blessed to have had her in my life. You have made a difference❤️
Joseph Gannon
Sincerest condolences to Steve , Tracey and other family and friends. So saddened to read of her passing
Lise Baillargeon
Mrs. Rapose was my literature teacher in the 1990s. She was a wonderful woman. I was sorry to hear of her passing and send my condolences to her family. May she rest in peace
Kristen Mayo Raymond
Mrs. Rapose was the best teacher I ever had. She taught me more in eighth grade than any other teacher ever did, even through four years of college. She always encouraged her students to learn. I wish I could be half the woman she was.
Lisette Rimer
Shirley taught my children, Patrick and Libby, and then she taught me when she came to Rectory and took over one of my classes. She was the bravest and most knowledgeable teacher I ever knew. She was my guide to teaching grammar and literature, first through my children and then when we were colleagues at Rectory. I owe her for years of support to my family.
Jennifer Whitehead
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Rapose’s passing. I have great memories of her as my teacher. She will be greatly missed.
Kathie Hess North Port Fla
I am sad today to learn of Shirley’s passing. She was a amazing teacher and woman . I was in her first class at Pomfret Community School and all four of my daughters has her as a teacher. I missed visiting with her at Davis but the virus had other plans. Please know she will be missed.
Jennifer (Platt) Gehrke
Mrs Rapose was my english teacher at Pomfret Community School in the 1980s. She was the first teacher to hold us to a very high standard, and I credit her with most of my academic success. I got a 37% on the Sea Devil test, but it was well worth it to learn how to write correctly, and always in complete sentences. She shaped the lives of so many 7a and 8a students at PCS.
Susan Ayers
Mrs. Rapose was a wonderful teacher at Pomfret Community School, so sorry to read of her passing.
Claudia Abbott
Shirley, as a teacher, touched many lives. She had high expectations for her students. Her determination and dedication are remembered years after graduation. Always professional in appearance and professional in the classroom, Shirley strove to do her best. After her retirement from PCS, she came to Rectory where she continued to mold students. Her love for the intricacies of written expression was contagious. Shirley can rest in peace knowing that she made a positive difference in the world.
Betty Hewitt
My condolences to all the family and kids of Shirley so very sorry for your loss Betty Hewitt and Dwight..
Colleen OBrien
Mrs. Rapose was my middle school English teacher at PCS. So sad to hear she’s passed. She impacted me in so many ways. She did strive to bring out the best in her students. My condolences to the family!
Mary Tiebout
I learned so much from Shirley when I became her colleague at Rectory. Her humorous outlook on life and her practical and empathetic style of teaching always shown through. The world needs more people like Shirley.
Fred Williams
I am so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was a phenomenal member of Rectory’s tutoring program and her students were so fortunate to benefit from her knowledge and understanding of children. More importantly, she was a wonderful person who brightened our halls every day she was with us. All of the Rectory community sends our prayers to Shirley’s family.
Erica Jaquish Beeman
I have such fond memories of Mrs. Rapose…..she was one of my favorite teachers.
May the love, laughter and happiness you all shared together bring you peace and comfort during this time.