Shirley Stolk Fellner

Shirley Stolk Fellner

Shirley Stolk Fellner, devoted wife, mother and grandmother passed away on March 15, 2015

She was born on March 6, 1924 in Pittsburgh, Pa to the late William Cornelius Stolk, a native of Caracas, Venezuela, and the late Fern Gibson Stolk After graduating from Smith College, Shirley married the late Nick Fellner on June 23, 1945 During their almost seven decades of marriage, Shirley and Nick resided throughout the northeastern United States; lived for two years in Caracas, and eight years in Palo Alto, Calif before settling in New Canaan in January 1963, where they remained until August 2011, when they moved to Edgehill in Stamford

Fluent in Spanish and French, Shirley used her language skills as a volunteer with Headstart and as a substitute teacher for many years in the New Canaan Public Schools system She was an active volunteer with AmeriCares, served on the board of ABC in New Canaan and was involved with the New Canaan Sewing Group for over forty years In addition, Shirley and Nick hosted several Fresh Air Fund children over the years

Shirley loved to travel, was an avid reader and game player She played the piano daily for most of her life, took pride in her wonderful flower garden, and did the New York Times crossword puzzle everyday into her late eighties Shirley was an accomplished equestrian in her youth, played field hockey in Palo Alto, and was on the New Canaan Field Club tennis team She took up golf late in life, once her tennis playing years ended and enjoyed playing with her husband and her friends

Shirley is survived by her five children and their spouses (Will and Mary Fellner of Ponte Vedra, Fla; Patricia Fellner of New York City; Anne and Ted Thaxter of Stamford, Conn; Maggie and Jim Hunt of Wilson, Wyo; and Tom and Stephanie Fellner of Gig Harbor, Wash), eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, as well as her sisters Natalie Joan Graham of Westwood, Mass and Ann de la Rosa of Princeton, NJ

A memorial service will be held at St Mark's Church in New Canaan on April 30 at 11 am

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to AmeriCares, 88 Hamilton Ave Stamford, CT USA 06902 wwwamericaresorg

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