Shirley Reed Dutton

Shirley Reed Dutton, age 89, passed away peacefully April 8th, 2023, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, with family by her side. Shirley was born in 1933 in Rochester, New Hampshire, and descended from George Soule, who arrived aboard the Mayflower in 1620. Her family moved to Old Orchard Beach during World War II where they operated Reed’s restaurant. A gifted musician, as a young child she was invited to sing for New Hampshire Governor Robert O. Blood, who volunteered to introduce her to the actress Bette Davis. Shirley would often be seen horseback riding along the beach. Her passion for riding would later win her Blue Ribbon Prizes in equestrian competitions while attending Wheaton College. After graduating from Old Orchard Beach High School, and earning a degree in Chemistry from Wheaton, she worked as a chemist for Kodak Labs in Rochester, New York, and Cabot Labs, in Boston. In 1954, while working as a chemist for Blue Rock Quarry in Maine, she met Lt. John M. Dutton, a naval officer and decorated Korean War veteran. They were married in 1956. Her husband held the position of Associate Dean of the Stern School of Business at New York University, where they resided with their family in Greenwich Village overlooking Washington Square. Shirley earned a Master of Arts at New York University, gravitating towards sculpture. Her large works were exhibited outdoors and in galleries in New York City. One of her permanent outdoor works is located in Davis Township, Maine. She was a member of the Church of the Ascension on Fifth Avenue, where she was a lay reader and served on the art committee working to preserve the church’s John La Farge murals. She went on to become Assistant Vice President at the Seaman’s Bank for Savings, 74 Wall Street, serving as Curator for the bank’s art collection. After relocating to Maine with her husband, she formed an art consulting business in Portland, Maine. She is survived by her Children Jane, William, Watson, and David, a Sister, a Niece, and six Grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday May 20th, at North Parish Congregational Church, Sanford, Maine. To leave a message of condolence click on Shirley's Remember Page.