Michele Cloutier

Ms. Michele Cloutier (Shelly), of Pawtucket Rhode Island passed 27, December 2018.
Born in Providence, daughter of Beatrice D. Babbidge (Rose) and Ernest I. Cloutier, she lived and worked for most her life in Connecticut, Washington, Texas, Virginia  and several other locations around the world. Spain was always one of her favorites.
She was a graduate of New London High School, of Mitchell College (phi beta kappa) and of Connecticut College (magna cum laude) with degrees in mathematics. Recipient: Mitchell College Society of Scholars 1977; Julia Wells Bower Prize in Mathematics 1975; Superior Accomplishment award 1969; American Association award to senior 1975 and numerous awards for her accomplishments and generosity. She was a member of the Mensa Society; of the Connecticut College Alumni Association; the Southern Poverty Law Center, and involved in many local, national and international groups and organizations.
She worked for the United States Department of Navy for over 25 years as a mathematician and software manager/engineer with the Underwater Systems Center in New London CT and Newport RI before retiring. 
Michele enjoyed music, dance, fine art, photography, travel, food, antiques, nature, archery, fishing, kite flying, sewing, and most of all her cats and books with her interests in psychology, sociology and human interest causes. 
She was an avid advocate and supporter for woman’s rights and for the recognition for women both contemporary and historically—at one time a top collector and promoter of and for woman’s literature and for the recognition the writers deserve.
She was the owner/proprietress of the John Lyon House Antiques in New London, CT and more recently Blacksmith Books with her focus on a future bookstore for female literature as had been her dream for many years.
She was a breast cancer survivor and fought for many years the illnesses later associated with it but kept her humor and with her varied interests. Michele made sure she wore her ‘purple’ early! (see poem by Jenny Joseph)
Sadly she leaves her sisters Suzanne Cloutier (California) and Marcia Babbidge (Florida); Her brothers Mark D. Babbidge (Rhode Island) and Jonathan P. Babbidge (California) along with several nieces and nephews. Due to the circumstances surrounding her passing some portions of final services have been delayed.  Memorial will be held at a later date. Those wishing to pay their respects please contact via memorial website or contact family members directly.
 “I suppose there is one friend in the life of each of us who seems not a separate person, however dear and beloved, but an expansion, an interpretation, of one’s self, the very meaning of one’s soul.” Edith Wharton 

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