Shirlee K. Abrams

Shirlee K. Abrams, 98, of New Haven, devoted loving wife of 73 years to the late Edwin R. Abrams, died peacefully on January 11, 2023. Born in Easton, PA on October 3, 1924, to the late Samuel A. Krause and Minnie L. (Goldsmith) Krause. Beloved mother of Ken Abrams of New Haven and Nancy (Abie) Abrams of Prospect, CT. Shirlee was predeceased by her sister Marilyn H. Savelle.

Shirlee was a graduate of Hillhouse High School, class of 1942. Shirlee and Ed were introduced on January 1, 1942, at Goffrey and Davis Luncheonette (nicknamed: Peties), on Whalley Avenue in New Haven. On October 21, 1944, Shirlee and Ed were married in San Angelo, Texas, where Ed was stationed while in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

Growing up Shirlee had a passion for horseback riding. Later in life she enjoyed playing Canasta and Mahjong with her friends. Shirlee’s favorite instrument was the harp. Shirlee not only enjoyed television shows like Larry King but also enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially UConn Women’s Basketball. She and Ed would attend a few UConn games a season. Shirlee and Ed always looked forward to their annual trip to Mexico with their best friends. In high school, Shirlee was a switchboard operator at Carroll Stores of America. Shirlee’s father, Sam, along with his brothers-in-law, founded the Carroll Stores of America. She also was a bookkeeper and salesclerk at the Carroll Stores. Shirlee volunteered at the City of Hope. Shirlee was also a salesclerk for 19 years at The Gift Box and for 17 years at Mildred Ressler’s

Dress Shop in New Haven.

Shirlee had a healthy way of balancing her work and her family. She had good work ethics with household tasks as well as at her employment. First and foremost, however, was Shirlee’s devotion to her family. Shirlee was a bright person who was an avid reader. She was a caring person who was always a great listener, especially when you needed it the most.

In memory of Shirlee, please consider a donation to The Towers, 18 Tower Lane, New Haven, CT 06519 or The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. We would like to express our gratitude to the staff of The Towers. Our family is indebted to Shirlee’s CT Hospice home care nurse, CoCo, for her professional loving care.

Funeral Services will be held at B’nai Jacob Memorial Park, 200 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven on Monday afternoon Jan.16th at 1:30 o’clock. The Robert E. Shure & Son Funeral Home, New Haven is in care of Arrangements. To sign an online registry book or to leave a message of condolence, please visit; www.shurefuneralhome.com