Eddington, Maine - Shelby Winifred (Gerald) Towne Sutherburg passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026 - her 76th birthday - in the quiet grace of a life fully lived. She was born on May 23, 1950, in Lincoln, Maine, the sixth of eight children of Helen (Coffin) and Leonard Gerald.

After living in various places, the family settled in the Bangor area when she was a teen. At 18 she met and married David Towne, and together they had their only child, Cristine Marie Towne. After their marriage ended, Shelby and Cristine navigated some difficult times before becoming the very best of friends - a bond that only grew stronger with the years. Cristine is quite simply the best person one could ever meet. Shelby built a life rich in work, friendship, and love. She worked at the Holiday Inn in Bangor, where she met her lifelong best friend, Mary Kenney - a friendship that spanned 50-plus years. She also served the Bangor City Hall for about 10 years before transitioning to the Lucerne Village Corporation in Dedham, Maine. At 40 she met and married Lee Sutherburg, and together they lived a truly great life. Among their most treasured memories were nearly eight years of vacations to Tortola, BVI, with dear friends and family, and many wonderful summers at camp in Blue Hill, Maine, with Jeff and Laurie Gerald and a beloved extended circle. Lee was the kind of man who marked every holiday with thoughtfulness and care - Valentine's Day meant roses, chocolate, and lobster. He was also a devoted dog dad to their three rescues. Lee preceded her in death on April 17, 2026, and there is great comfort in knowing they are together again.

Shelby was predeceased by her husband, Leon "Lee"; her parents; three brothers, Rodney Gerald, Paul Gerald, and Alan Coffin; one sister, Mary (Gerald) Pooler; and Paul's wife, Peggy. She is survived by her daughter, Cristine and son-in-law, Bowen Swersey, both of whom she loved deeply; three sisters, Carolyn, Alyson, and Jane; sister-in-law, Joan Coffin; former sister-in-law, Nancy Gerald; brother-in-law, Dan Pooler; many cousins, and 20 nieces and nephews - not to mention the greats and the in-laws.

At her request, there will be no formal funeral service. She will be cremated, and her ashes will fly in the air with her spirit.

This obituary was written by Shelby herself - in her own words, just as she lived: with love, intention, and a mother's unwavering pride in her daughter.