Ramona C. Shahan

COLEBROOK— Ramona C. Shahan, 81, of Colebrook, passed away on Friday morning, Dec. 20, 2013, at her residence after a long period of failing health. Mona was born on June 19, 1932, in Colebrook, a daughter to the late Alton and Christie (McKeage) Bailey. She attended the local schools and was raised by her aunt , Alta Kelsea, enjoying her childhood with all her cousins. Mona was a 1950 graduate of Colebrook Academy. After two years in the U.S. Air Force, Ramona traveled and sang in country & western music clubs in Florida, Alabama, W. Virginia, and Ohio. She later relocated back to New England and worked for many years in shoe factories in Massachusetts, Vermont and N.H. In 1972, she moved to Romulus, NY, to be closer to her brother; and while there she owned and operated “Mona’s Pizza & Subs” for ten years. She later worked as a private security guard for Eisenhower College in Seneca Falls, NY, and was also a corrections officer for the Seneca County Sheriff’s Dept. Mona volunteered for the Seneca County Civil Defense for 8 years, and she was a member of the Romulus Volunteer Fire Dept. for 8 years, at one time being named the “Firefighter of the Year.” She returned to Colebrook in 1994 and resided at Monadnock Village. Mona was an animal lover, having many beloved pets over the years, and was a charter member of the North American Fishing Club. She was also an avid Red Sox and New England Patriots fan, enjoyed watching NASCAR races, and she was a huge fan of the Colebrook Mohawks. She leaves behind her cousins, Dennis Bailey and wife Sue of Colebrook; Donald Kelsea and wife Carmela of Pittsburg, Barbara Wells of Antrim, NH, Leone Brooks and Lorraine Bailey of Connecticut, Barbara & Lyndsey Spaltro of Connecticut; her sister-in-law, Doris Rainville of Zephyr Hills, Fla.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by a brother, Bernard Rainville. Calling hours will be on Friday, Dec. 27, from 3-5 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A graveside service will be in the spring at the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Ramona may be made to the Colebrook Area Food Pantry, 55 Pleasant St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Ramona C. Shahan

June 19, 1932 - December 20, 2013