In Memory of Stuart M. Shotwell

March 10, 2022

Stuart M. Shotwell, FSA 1954, MAAA 1965, died peacefully at the age of 98 on December 8, 2021, at Grace Barker Health in Warren, RI. Born September 12, 1923, in Yonkers, New York, he was the son of Stuart M. Shotwell, Sr. and Berenice Myers Shotwell. After graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy, Stuart entered Cornell University but interrupted his studies to serve in World War II in the 1262nd Engineer Combat Battalion. Gravely wounded, he recuperated in France and served until returning to Cornell at war’s end to complete his education. At Cornell he met and married classmate Patricia (Patsy) Kendall, and the couple settled in Weston, Mass., in 1954, when Stuart took a job as actuary for the Loyal Protective Life Insurance Company in Boston. In 1973 Stuart earned a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law. The final period of his career was in the field of pension program development.

Stuart was active in his community throughout his life. He and Patsy participated in the Weston-Rombas and ABC programs, hosting students from Roxbury, Mass., Washington, D.C., France, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Australia. He served as chair of the Weston-Rombas Committee, Treasurer of the Jericho Forest Pony Club, and Town Assessor in both Weston and Sherborn, Mass., where he moved in 1984. He also volunteered extensively with the Sherborn Library.

No matter how busy, however, Stuart was always ready to head for “the Island,” a remote and rustic spot in northern Maine where Stuart took delight in sharing his love of camp life, DIY skills and nature with his children and “fishing” buddies.

He was predeceased by Patsy Shotwell and is survived by children Judith Shotwell (Thom Fortson), Jennifer Shotwell, Deborah Shotwell, Peter Shotwell (Mary Dunn), William Shotwell, Mary Shotwell, and Tricia Concannon (James); by nephew David McBride and nieces Tracy and Leigh McBride; by grandchildren Oona Hoffman (Kevin) and Seamus Concannon; by several step-grandchildren and numerous step-great-grandchildren; and by John McCarter, whom Stuart fondly claimed as a third son.

Stuart’s family is grateful to the many good people who brightened Stuart’s last years, including Ana Galvez, Cindy Webb, Sara Spooner, and the staffs at Shillman House, Framingham; at Grace Barker Health; and with HopeHealth Hospice. Peggy Homer deserves special mention as a friend and advisor.

Gifts in Stuart’s memory be made to Friends of the Sherborn Library, 4 Sanger Street, Sherborn MA 01770.