October 31, 2024
Shipley, Jenot
Jenot Warner Shipley, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday, October 26, 2024 of complications from lymphoma.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 12, 1942, to Whitney Warner, Jr. and Elizabeth Alvira White Warner, Jensie is survived by her husband of 61 years, William Upjohn Shipley, MD. Jensie attended Mount Holyoke College and earned her degree in Mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1965. She went on to do research at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary studying the inner workings of the ear.
Known for her warm, easy smile and tireless energy in service to others, Jensie brought her keen mind and talent for organization and philanthropy to many charitable organizations. She served for 20 years as a founding leader of The Friends of the MGH Cancer Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, a patient advocacy group, and was instrumental in the creation of The Howard Ulfelder, MD, Healing Garden where she spent some of her last hours. She served on the Development Committee for Steps to Success, a program that promotes equity for students from low-income families in Brookline, MA where the Shipley’s family home was located. She was a fixture each summer at the Chatham Yacht Club, where she had first met Bill in 1960.
An avid tennis player, talented quilt-maker, and joyful family-vacation-planner, Jensie’s lifelong love for sailing inspired perhaps her greatest commitment outside of her family: to conservation efforts in Chatham, MA, site of the family’s summer home. Through Friends of Pleasant Bay, Jensie was a donor and passionate advocate for the preservation of the natural beauty of Cape Cod.
Jensie’s greatest joy in life was her family, and she took enormous pride in her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her three daughters: Karen Shipley Taylor and her husband, Gary Taylor; Barbara Elizabeth Shipley (Barb) and her husband, Paul Lamoreux; and Gwendolyn Cary Shipley (Gwen) and her husband, Kevin DiRocco. She was also the proud grandmother to eight grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply: Charles Shipley Taylor Hartley (Charlie) and his husband, Finley Hartley (Fin); Gwendolyn Guion Taylor (Wendy); Theodore Jenot Taylor (Theo); Karina Coralie Lamoreux; Cody Baker Lamoreux; Tucker William Lamoreux; Camille Elizabeth DiRocco (Millie); and Adam Joseph DiRocco (AJ). Jensie is also survived by her sister, Emily Warner Craig.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 30th, 2025 in Chatham, MA. Please check this website for details. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Jensie’s honor can be sent to The Friends of Pleasant Bay.
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Comments(6)
We cherished every moment we spent with Jensie and Bill. Jensie was an absolute delight. She was all that the obituary says and more. We will miss her very much. Our prayers are with Bill at this very difficult time.
So sorry about the loss of your dear mother. Holding your family in my heart and sending love and light.
Diane carter
It is with great sorrow I learned for Jensie’s passing and my heart and mind are grieving this loss and sending sincere condolences to all her family and those who loved her. Jensie and I were room mates at Mount Holyoke College our first 3 years and I felt truly blessed to be able to share so much of this time beside her. I met Bill Shipley thanks to Jensie. Though our daily life together changed when they married, I have loved hearing about and getting to know and visit with their family ever since. Though I grieve losing her now, I will always be looking for her smile in my dreams.
We will always remember her warm welcome and quick wit ! We are so grateful for the visits to Chatham and the chance to get to know so many of Jensie and Bill’s close knit and friendly family. We are thinking of you all tenderly as you mourn her loss. Love, Neige and Steven Christenson
What a shock. I have been in touch. Remember when Jensie and Bill were married on the Cape.Met a few of the amazing family she was so proud of. My love and thoughts to you all. Susie
My heartfelt love goes out to all of Jensie’s family. Losing Jensie has been a huge wrench for so many of us. Trying to navigate this loss is beyond difficult. May she rest in peace. Mercy