MARY JANE JAMES

SHOREHAM — Mary Jane James, 89, of Shoreham, Vt., passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2025. The daughter of Leon and Janet (Larrabee) Swinton, she was born Aug. 8, 1935, in Middlebury, Vt. Mary Jane grew up in West Bridport on the family farm with her five sisters; they were known as the “Smart Swinton Girls.” She attended Middlebury High School and went on to graduate from Green Mountain College.

Mary Jane married her beloved husband, Edwin C. James, on Aug. 27, 1961, and lived the rest of her life with him and their son on their farm in Shoreham. Mary took care of the farm’s books and took pride in making home feel like a home. Mary was the most amazing mom, an excellent cook and avid reader, she made numerous quilts with her amazing sewing skills and had a love for all animals.

She was an active member of the Shoreham Congregational Church and also served as the Shoreham Town clerk for several years. She made many friends, young and old, through the years as Mary was such a sweet, loving soul who enjoyed everyone. Mom had a sweet tooth and was very fond of chocolate, ice cream and marshmallows; she always would say she never had a bad marshmallow! She also enjoyed seafood and would look forward to seeing her friend John deliver her favorite fish and chips or shrimp!

Mary is survived by her son, Edwin S. James and wife Stacy of Shoreham; grandchildren, Sumner and Rachel Andrews of Hyde Park, Sully Andrews and fiancée Kayleigh of South Burlington, and Sophie Benoit of Shoreham; great-grandchildren, Adella, Asher, Addison, Daxton, Evelyn, Josie, and Hansen; her sisters Bobbie Swinton of Burlington, Audrey Keyes of Bridport, Cindy Belenger of Monkton and Louise (David) Richmond of Essex; sisters-in-law Sandra Adams and partner Joy Livingston of Hinesburg, Jenny Purinton of Utah; brothers-in-law Larry Clark of Shoreham and Dan (Ginny) James of Wisconsin; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, friends and her loving cat Dewey. Mary was predeceased by her husband, sister Peggy Clark, and brothers-in-law Bill Keyes and Fred Belenger.

We want to say a huge thank you to family and friends, the first responders, and to the hospice workers who go above and beyond; they are true angels! Donations in her name can be made to: Addison County Home Health and Hospice P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, VT. 05753, First Responders of Shoreham, or Shoreham Congregational Church P.O. Box 177 Shoreham, VT. 05770.

A memorial to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 1 p.m., at the Shoreham Congregational Church with refreshments following directly after at the church. ◊