New London - Shirley Roberta Goldblatt, 99, of New London, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Shirley was born to Morris and Helen Epstein in Norwich, Sept. 16, 1925.

Shirley graduated from Norwich Free Academy and attended college at the University of Connecticut. She married Philip Goldblatt Dec. 29, 1946. They had two children they raised in Montville while Phillip worked as a Chief Musician in the Coast Guard Band and Shirley ran the family fabric store business. She also worked for the Naval Underwater Sound Lab for many years before retirement. Over the years, she was a member of the Beth Jacob Synagogue in Norwich, Temple Emanu-El of Waterford, and Beth El of New London.

Shirley was a much beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend. It is difficult to put into words how truly special she was. She was the sort of person who made friends easily, and endeared them and her family with her wit, genuine interest in others, optimism, acceptance, and sense of humor. Even in her elder years she stayed young at heart; always interested in the world, a lifelong learner, and quick adopter of technology. Shirley always kept a positive attitude despite suffering much loss. She approached life with a grateful spirit and was known for her generosity- teaching us that joy is not dependent on one's circumstances. We were blessed to enjoy Grandma for all these years. She will be sorely missed and is irreplaceable.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband Philip; son Aaron Goldblatt; daughter Annie Krysta; son-in-law Gary Krysta; and great-grandson Alexander Nelson. She is survived by her grandson Joseph Goldblatt, his wife Marie, their sons, Jacob and Matthew; granddaughter Amy Rianhard, her husband John, and their children Vanessa Gray and her husband Robert, Olivia and Christian; granddaughter-in-law Marcy Krysta, her daughter EllieAnn; granddaughter-in-law Sharon Krysta, her two children, Maureen and Natalie and husband Michael. Shirley was also survived by her brother Leonard Epstein of New London and his wife Sandra; niece Julie Friedman; and nephew Michael Epstein.

The family wishes to thank Grandma's wonderful caregivers who all became dear friends: Judy, Margarita, Sierra, Kristina, Paola, Ruthie, Alli, Selena, Kathia, Jen, Patty and Charity. We also wish to thank the kind hospice workers who helped so much these last few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able make contributions in Shirley's name to the American Diabetes Association. Funeral arrangements are private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Sep. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Goldblatt

Sponsored by Church & Allen Funeral Service - Norwich.

6 Entries

Dawn Oliveri

October 6, 2024

A lovely lady. I have nice memories of my weekly walk to her family´s fabric store. My condolences.

Audrey

October 2, 2024

Shirley has been a "client" of mine for 25 years - Actually she was my friend - her smile was contagious and attidue enlightening! She was the only "client" who had my cell phone number for the past 15 years. Shirley was a very special person and I am grateful that her and I crossed paths many years ago.

My condolences to her entire family.

Danielle Alcoba

September 29, 2024

I met Shirley in April when I was recovering from a knee infection. She was my room mate. She was the best woman a mid life woman like me could share a room with. I enjoyed all my time I got to share with her in my short time there. Thinking of you all!

Mary Reed Deus

September 29, 2024

I worked with your Grandma at the Naval Underwater Systems Center (NUSC). She was truly young-at-heart, funny and sweet. So pleased to see she lived a long life with lots of family love. My condolences to you all.

Eliot L.

September 25, 2024

Back in their college days, Shirley and my Mom were dorm roommates. From that point onward, they became lifelong friends, featuring endless gatherings of joy and happiness. After Mom passed on, we continued that close relationship right to the end. Shirley was one-in-a-million. She was considered an "integral" part of our family. Shirley's entire life was highlighted by several major traits - lots of love, caring, compassion, giving and, oh yes, a very positive mindset. Shirley had an incredible knack of controlling the "center balance of life" - this after going through a series of losses in her family and friends. The pattern was a period of mourning, reflecting, understanding, but always moved on - what an amazing individual! Then came the wonderful home cooked meals - the brisket of beef, top notch and those stuffed peppers - no other could compare - the best! For a time, Shirley knitted shirts and clothes for family and friends - thus earning the label "Shirty". Perhaps the showstopper was all those wild and crazy stories she told about her family and friends. This was Shirley at her finest! There was also a top craving of hers - Jello! Not only cooking huge bowls of it and ordering it in restaurants, but weaving stories around it - we laughed our heads off! And it didn't stop there. The ritual of bringing pastries from that wonderful Colchester bakery, after a Dentist appointment with Lou Goldblatt and talking the hours away. All these moments I will treasure! Add to all this her self-sufficiency, intelligence, and continued education from modern technology to seminars - all leading to one fantastic life! Shirley is now reunited with her husband Phil and two children, Aaron and Annie. I envision her entertaining the angels - they'll love it! Even God will be amazed! Shirley, you will always be a part of us. We love you.

Brian L.

September 24, 2024

Shirley was a one-of-a-kind person, who always exhibited the most amazing traits throughout her life. I knew her for several decades, as she was best friends with my mom from college days and thereafter, until my mother's death over 30 years ago. Shirley was an upbeat individual who constantly showed genuine interest in others. The focus was always on other people, as Shirley would not dwell on herself. Common-sense smart, open to new ideas, sharp as a tack, kind and caring, and truly a woman for all times, she had strong, loyal relationships with family and friends alike, through good times and tragic events. Despite medical issues and other things that would have most folks turning sour, bitter, and/or helpless, Shirley kept on going like the Energizer Bunny! Best of all, I so enjoyed joking with her about everyday issues both large and inconsequential, whether on the phone or in person when I could visit her. Her sunny personality and wit made her both fun and funny. As with so many others who came to know and love her as an absolutely wonderful human being, I simply adored Shirley! I feel very fortunate to have had her as not just a great friend of the family, but a terrific friend of mine who I shall never forget. I can hear her giggling right now! Brian L.

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