Shirley M. Chodin

Shirley McCrensky Chodin, age 88, of Winchendon, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025. She was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Harry and Fay McCrensky and grew up in Somerville and Medford with her younger sister, Gail.
She attended Tufts University where she graduated in 1958. At Tufts, she met and later married Harris Yett. Together, they had six children: Andrew, James, Linda, Steven, David, and Jonathan Yett. The loss of their young daughter Linda to Tay-Sachs disease in 1963 profoundly shaped Shirley's path and moved the couple to contribute to research for the disease. They divorced in 1971.
Due, in part, to the loss of Linda, Shirley found her calling in early childhood education, dedicating her life to nurturing young minds and encouraging creativity. She received her master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College in 1969. She rejected rigid structure in education, believing in fostering originality and exploration. She was the Director of the Temple Ohabei Shalom nursery school in Brookline from the mid-1960s to early 1970s and in the 1980s, was the Director of the Groton Community School in Groton, Massachusetts. Her approach left a lasting impact on the children she taught.
In 1973, Shirley married Yossef Chodin. Together they founded Chodin Orthodontic Services. She later co-founded Tovah Orthodontic Lab. In 1974, they welcomed their daughter Elana. Shirley and Yossi divorced in 1983. Shirley possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, embracing new challenges with energy and determination. In the 1980s, she pursued a career in real estate and home building, working with a business partner to design and construct homes.
A sharp and resourceful problem-solver, Shirley had an uncanny knack for cutting through bureaucratic red tape and helping friends navigate obstacles. She was a fierce advocate for change and fairness, never shying away from a fight or challenging companies she felt were not treating her or her friends fairly. She lived by her father's principle: "If you want to get something done, talk to the head, not to the tail." and frequently would contact CEOs of companies to resolve issues. Forthright and fearless, she never hesitated to challenge authority when she saw the need for improvement.
Shirley loved to cook and was an excellent baker. Her passion for new recipes and preparing favorite dishes remained a cherished part of her life. She surrounded herself with creativity-vibrant colors (especially yellow), lively decor, beloved pets, and an endless stream of personal projects. Later in life, she developed a passion for photography, specializing in pet portraits and scenic landscapes. She spent many years living in Newton, Acton, and Ayer, Massachusetts, before settling in Rindge, New Hampshire, where she took many photos of her favorite landscape outside her window: Mount Monadnock.
She spent her final years in Winchendon, Massachusetts, where she was an active and engaged member of the community. She formed strong friendships with the local police and fire departments, frequently volunteering her photography skills for community events. Her lifelong friendship with the late Rabbi Earl Grollman of Beth El Temple in Belmont was a source of great strength and guidance. From the time of her daughter Linda's passing in 1963, Rabbi Grollman's wisdom and kindness offered unwavering support, leaving an enduring impact.
In her final years, Shirley found great joy and companionship in her dogs. Sparky, her loyal golden retriever–poodle mix, whom she affectionately dubbed "the best dog in the universe," remained steadfast by her side until he predeceased her by 17 days. She was known for her strong will and fiery spirit, yet those who knew her well also witnessed her deep compassion and unwavering readiness to help anyone in need. She embraced life's challenges with zeal, throwing herself into her ventures with relentless energy.
Her legacy is one of intensity, creativity, and an unyielding spirit. She will be remembered in full-by those who knew her well-for her strengths, her flaws, and the undeniable impact she had on the lives she touched.
She is survived by her sister, Gail Korn; her six children; a granddaughter; and several loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA on August 4th, at 11:45 AM. Family and friends are invited to pay condolence calls at 330 Benjamin Street, Winchendon, MA later that afternoon from 3:30 – 8:30 PM.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to PAWS New England, PO Box 542, Ashland, MA 01721 (www.pawsnewengland.com).