Frances J. Shaw, 96, of Hurry Hill Road, Putnam, died Sunday at the Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. She was the beloved wife of the late Clayton H. Shaw, he died in 2009. She was born October 1913 in Eureka Township, Michigan, daughter of the late Albert S. and Anna N. (Sturgeon) James.

She had made her home in Putnam most of her life, and active member of the Putnam Methodist Church, where she was the  church organist for over 55 years, served as choir director, youth choir director, an active member of the United Methodist Women. She had served on many boards and committees at the Church. She had also made many quilts for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Frances worked as an executive secretary for several years, for the American Red Cross. She enjoyed sewing, making jellies and jams; working in her flowers gardens. She had recently authored a book and it was illustrated by her granddaughter “Reflections” The history of the James Family.

She leaves her son: James C. Shaw and his wife Beverly of Putnam; daughters: Ann Kathi Peterson of Putnam; Robyn Tracy and her husband Daniel of Dudley, MA; a brother: Clayton James of La Conner, WA; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter Ruth Holly Preble, two brothers: Walter James and Lawrence James.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday at 6:00 PM at the Putnam Methodist Church, 51 Grove Street, Putnam, CT 06260. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Putnam United Methodist Church or The Hole in the Wall Gang Fund, 555 Long Warf Drive, Department W, New Haven, CT  06511. To share a memory with her family “Light a Candle” at smithandwalkerfh.com