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Shirley Sapala Obituary
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Shirley earned her Doctorate in Nursing Education and dedicated more than five decades to improving pediatric care, particularly for children with special needs. Her compassion, commitment, and clinical expertise left a lasting legacy in the lives of countless families and in the healthcare community at large.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, Shirley lived her values daily-with humility, grace, and a readiness to offer kindness and friendship to everyone she met. Whether she was cooking a warm meal, heading out for a run, or planning her next travel adventure, she embraced life with joy and purpose.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Peter P. Sapala Sr. and Mary Sapala, as well as her brother Richard Sapala. She is survived by her brother, Peter P. Sapala Jr., along with her nieces, Heather, Jennifer, and Stephanie, and nephews, Steven and Justin, as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews. Her family, friends, and former patients will remember her unwavering smile, her generous spirit, and her extraordinary dedication to healing.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 9:30am to 11am at GERITY & CHUBENKO FUNERAL HOME, 411 Amboy Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 followed by interment at St. Bernards Cemetery in Bridgewater.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Shirley's memory to a children's hospital or organization serving children with special needs.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Shirley Ann Sapala, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Shirley Ann Sapala, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Mary Kable Stockman
September 22, 2025
Shirley was a very kind, compassionate person, childhood friend, and like a sister. She was also very polite even when she got confused and could hardly answer the phone. She would say goodbye and always end with "Thank you for calling." And I miss her
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411 Amboy Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
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