By Julie Harris of the Bangor Daily News. This is from the article:

Bangor Humane Society and St. John’s Catholic Church each received checks for $395,000 Friday, presented by Gillespie’s longtime friend and personal representative Ruth Spellman and attorney Joseph Baldacci of Bangor, during individual press conferences at the respective facilities.

“Shann lived a spare life, but gave to [St. Joseph] hospital, church, Humane Society and students. She didn’t ask for recognition. She lived a selfless and caring life. She earned her money in Bangor, lived here, and then invested her money here,” Baldacci said.

Gillespie had worked as a business manager at United Technologies Center for more than 20 years. She also volunteered in the community, primarily at Bangor Humane Society, as Eucharistic Minister at St. John’s Catholic Church, and at the reception desk at St. Joseph Hospital. She died unexpectedly at age 69 on March 26, 2013. She had no children.

Executive Director Suzan Bell said the Bangor Humane Society is raising what it needs for its $925,000 operating budget, and that Gillespie’s gift will be used for something special and meaningful that future generations will see. She said the most likely use would be for capital improvements to the physical plant. Gillespie loved the cats in particular, so Bell said the improvements could center on the cat portion of the facility.

“I am rarely speechless, but this is very humbling,” said Bell. “A volunteer trusts us to save more lives and we will work hard to live up to that trust. We know her spirit and what she was about.”