Obituary for Shirley Abrams
Shirley Abrams, 75, passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2020 at Physicians Regional Medical Center in Naples after complications from a fall.
A small memorial service was held by her family on Wednesday, December 15, 2020 on the beach at her favorite spot, Gumbo Limbo at sunset.
She was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, the youngest of three daughters to Edith and Samuel Shapiro. She is survived by her daughter, Kim Shapiro and her husband Brian Shapiro, her grandchildren, Tyler and Lilliana; her two sisters Barbara Greenberg, Fran Cornelius and her husband Bob Cornelius; her niece Stacy, and nephews Michael and Jeff.
Shirley was an amazing single mother to her only daughter, a loving Gigi (gorgeous grandma) to her grandchildren, a wonderful sister and a kind friend. She had the warmest heart, a witty sense of humor, unbound generosity and an infectious smile.
She lived in Brookline, Massachusetts for 41 years before moving permanently to Naples, Florida. She began working at Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency as a Loan Officer in 1975 and was promoted to Development Officer in 1979. She “retired” in 2002 but continued to work part time until 2013 spending over 39 years with the company. She made a positive impression on everyone she met, to know her was to love her. She took pride in her strong work ethic, and made many good friends throughout her years at Mass Housing. She played the guitar, loved to sing and donated to many charities including the ASPCA, democratic party, wounded warriors and UNICEF. She enjoyed spending time in the cape with her longtime friends Renee and Cole Landers as well as her close friend Susan Adelson. She cherished the limited time she had with her California-based daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren, and adored her family and friends.
Shirley was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2014. She was an advocate for herself, went to monthly Parkinson’s meetings with her sister Fran, walked everyday with her sister Barbara and kept up her exercise routine. She felt blessed to have the support of her two sisters and brother-in-law Bob, throughout her battle with Parkinson’s.
Shirley was always smiling and the most caring person you will every know. If you told her a secret, well…you can be sure she kept it safe forever. She was grateful to spend her final years in Naples, Florida where she enjoyed spending time relaxing with a good book or movie and treasured her breathtaking, peaceful view of the lake. Her pure heart and generous soul will be missed. Quite simply, Shirley was the best person anyone could hope to meet. She impacted so many lives without even knowing it.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=1812. A celebration of life will take place in December 2021. More details to come.
A small memorial service was held by her family on Wednesday, December 15, 2020 on the beach at her favorite spot, Gumbo Limbo at sunset.
She was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, the youngest of three daughters to Edith and Samuel Shapiro. She is survived by her daughter, Kim Shapiro and her husband Brian Shapiro, her grandchildren, Tyler and Lilliana; her two sisters Barbara Greenberg, Fran Cornelius and her husband Bob Cornelius; her niece Stacy, and nephews Michael and Jeff.
Shirley was an amazing single mother to her only daughter, a loving Gigi (gorgeous grandma) to her grandchildren, a wonderful sister and a kind friend. She had the warmest heart, a witty sense of humor, unbound generosity and an infectious smile.
She lived in Brookline, Massachusetts for 41 years before moving permanently to Naples, Florida. She began working at Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency as a Loan Officer in 1975 and was promoted to Development Officer in 1979. She “retired” in 2002 but continued to work part time until 2013 spending over 39 years with the company. She made a positive impression on everyone she met, to know her was to love her. She took pride in her strong work ethic, and made many good friends throughout her years at Mass Housing. She played the guitar, loved to sing and donated to many charities including the ASPCA, democratic party, wounded warriors and UNICEF. She enjoyed spending time in the cape with her longtime friends Renee and Cole Landers as well as her close friend Susan Adelson. She cherished the limited time she had with her California-based daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren, and adored her family and friends.
Shirley was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2014. She was an advocate for herself, went to monthly Parkinson’s meetings with her sister Fran, walked everyday with her sister Barbara and kept up her exercise routine. She felt blessed to have the support of her two sisters and brother-in-law Bob, throughout her battle with Parkinson’s.
Shirley was always smiling and the most caring person you will every know. If you told her a secret, well…you can be sure she kept it safe forever. She was grateful to spend her final years in Naples, Florida where she enjoyed spending time relaxing with a good book or movie and treasured her breathtaking, peaceful view of the lake. Her pure heart and generous soul will be missed. Quite simply, Shirley was the best person anyone could hope to meet. She impacted so many lives without even knowing it.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=1812. A celebration of life will take place in December 2021. More details to come.