BIDDEFORD — Claudette J. Sheltra, 81, of Biddeford, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Monarch Center in Saco.

She was born Aug. 12, 1933 in Old Orchard Beach, a daughter of Alphonse and Evelyn (Tremblay) Monier.

She was educated there and was a graduate of Old Orchard Beach High School.

Claudette had a fondness for singing and has been a member of the Old Orchard Beach High School glee club. She also played on the girls’ basketball team and later became a coach. She was pleased to have been her younger sister’s basketball mentor.

While still in school she worked for Emerson’s Candy on the pier in Old Orchard Beach in the summer. After her high school graduation she went to work for Judge Wesley Mewer as his secretary.

At about the same time she met Paul E. Sheltra and instantly fell in love. They were married on April 11, 1964. Born to them were a son, Paul E. Jr., in 1966 and a daughter, Janet, in 1967.

After Paul Sr. died the following year she took over the management of the family real estate, insurance, and apartment rental business and raised her two children.

In 1974 she met Carl W. Trautvetter; they were married in November of that year. They moved to Biddeford and lived on May Street. Together they built the Carolina Motel in Old Orchard Beach on what had been her parents’ property. They managed this together until their divorce in 1994. She continued to operate the motel with her sister until retiring due to ill health.

Claudette enjoyed traveling. In 1996 she and her sister Claire drove a motor home across the United States, visiting many states and landmarks along the way.

In 2003, she became the proud grandmother of Daniel P. Sheltra and enjoyed helping with his care.

She is predeceased by: her husband, Paul; and her sister, Claire Boutot, in June of 2012.

Claudette is survived by: her son, Paul Sheltra Jr. and daughter, Janet Sheltra, both of Biddeford; her grandson, Daniel; three nephews, Pierre, Stephan and Andy Boutot; and one great nephew, Hunter Boutot.

Visiting hours will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11, at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HopeMemorial.com.