Shirley Mae Bouer

Shirley was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1928, in Easton, PA to her parents Harry Minsky and Gertrude (nee Weitzman), on her parents’ 5th wedding anniversary. Shirley was the 3rd of 5 children. Shirley was predeceased by her parents as well as her brother Charles, brother Arthur, and sister Lillian Krim. Surviving is her dearly beloved sister Gloria Schentzel. She was also predeceased way too soon by the Love of Her Life, her husband, Robert (Bobby) Bouer. Shirley leaves behind her loving daughter Denise Soriano and her husband Michael, her grandson Harris Weinstein and his loving girlfriend Marissa Curcio, her granddaughter Robyn Halper and her husband Zachary, and her step grandchildren Alyse and Mike Koller, and Michael Soriano, III. She had the amazing blessing of a lifetime to meet and know her great grandchildren, Daniel and Jillian Halper, and step great grandson Michael (Mikey) Koller, III. She also leaves behind her loving nieces; Susan Kuntz and Laurie Krim, in addition to numerous other nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

After her marriage, Shirley moved to Jersey City, NJ, where she lived for many years. She had a short working career at Maidenform in Bayonne, NJ, but her life and true calling in Jersey City was consumed by her love for her family, friends, and community. Hosting annual Passovers at her home for decades are a fond memory for the MANY who attended year after year. She was a truly dedicated volunteer in every sense of the word and was constantly helping others in her life, including her sisters in law. From Brownie Scouts Leader to PTA President, from Bowling League President to Library Board Member, from Hadassah President to Temple Beth-El Volunteer, she truly personified the image of a loving and giving human being. So much so that she was awarded the “Person of the Year” Memorial Award by the Jewish War Veterans of the United States in 1991. “A True Woman of Valor Whose Dedication, Compassion and Tireless Efforts Have Helped Bring Wellbeing to the Members, Citizens, and Persons of Her Faith”. Everyone called her the Jewish “Saint Shirley”, because she was an angel, and now she actually is one. In her ‘spare time’ Shirley enjoyed traveling the world with her husband, sisters, and close friends. She was an avid sports fan, (to say the least). That being said is the understatement of the century. She and her ‘Bobby’ were lifelong NY Knicks, NY Yankees, and NY Giants season tickets holders, and ardent attendees of all the games. It was this passion that she passed on to her grandson Harris. Harris, very early in life, because of her, became the sports enthusiast and handicapper he is today. For close to 30 years, they shared their love of sports and NEVER missed a Giants game together. For the past 15+ years they ‘wagered’ on every single NFL game. Somehow Shirley “almost ALWAYS” came out on top at the end of each season, and neither would ever bet against the Giants! She and Harris never missed a chance to say good night to one another by phone, raise their pinkies together for Good Luck, and sing “(Somewhere) Over the Rainbow”.

We will all Forever Love her, Miss her and Cherish her memory.

For those wishing to do so, Shirley would have been most happy if anyone would like to make a donation in her honor to Temple Beth-El in Jersey City, NJ.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.guttermanandmusicant.com for the Bouer family.