Shirley Gottesdiener

1927 - 2022

Boynton Beach, Fla. - Shirley (nee Udolf) Gottesdiener, aged 94, passed away May 23, 2022, in Boynton Beach, Fla., where she had made her home for the past 20 years with her husband Emanuel (Mendy) Gottesdiener. He survives her.

Shirley was born Nov. 2, 1927, in Worcester, Mass. Her parents, Eli Udolf and Sarah Beckenstein Udolf, immigrated from Russia, in 1920, settling later in Hartford, where her father and brother founded a flourishing men's retail clothing establishment.

Shirley's older siblings, Leonard Udolf and Eleanor Newman, predeceased her.

Shirley grew up in Hartford, where she attended local schools, worked at various retail positions and summered in New London, where she met her beloved husband. They were married in November 1950. They were unreservedly committed to one another.

The mother of four children, Shirley subsequently earned her bachelor's degree and then worked for many years as a real estate agent. She retired in 2000, and she and her husband moved to Boynton Beach, Fla.

Shirley and Mendy's children are: Marc (spouse Marsha Faith) of West Hartford; T.J. (spouse Abra Levine) of New York City; Ellen (spouse Jeffrey Radding) of Madison; and Eli (spouse Eleonor Bindman) of Brooklyn, N.Y. Seven grandchildren also survive. Shirley was gratefully and lovingly attached to all her children and grandchildren.

Shirley enjoyed the pleasures and sociability of Florida condo life, engaged joyfully in the many activities including dancing, fitness, bridge, and discussion groups. Shirley derived great pleasure from reading and was constantly exploring literary avenues with great dedication. She delighted in cooking for her devoted family. She also had many treasured friendships and had a kind word for everyone. Shirley will be remembered for her compassionate, empathic nature, kindness, and fierce devotion to her family.

She will be buried in the family plot in the Congregation Beth El Cemetery, 52-96 Lestertown Road, Groton, CT 06340. The graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 26, followed by a Shiva call at 41 Shore Road, Clinton.

The funeral home handling the arrangement is Thomas L Neilan & Sons Funeral Homes. No flowers please. Donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders or any other suitable choice.