Shirley E. Waller

Shirley E. Waller passed on June 29, 2026, at the age of 91 after a long and well-lived life devoted to her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched with her warmth, humor, compassion, and unwavering love.

Born in London, England, on January 25, 1935, Shirley was the beloved daughter of Isaac Kwintner and Anne “Grandma Annie” Kwintner. After the loss of her father during childhood, she was raised by her devoted mother, whose strength and love helped shape the remarkable woman Shirley became.

As a young woman, Shirley attended the University of Michigan before moving to New York City, where she met the love of her life, Richard J. Waller, while working at an advertising company. Richard, a proud Korean War veteran, rose from the mailroom to become one of America’s top salesmen. Together they built a loving marriage founded on loyalty, respect, and devotion. Richard passed away in 2001, and Shirley remained deeply devoted to his memory throughout the rest of her life.

The couple made their home in Hillsdale, New Jersey, where they raised their two children, Susan and David. Shirley took great pride in being a devoted wife and mother, creating a warm home where family always came first. Later, she returned to the workforce, managing the office of her son David’s entertainment company before continuing with the business after it was sold.

Following Richard’s passing, Shirley moved to Mahwah, New Jersey, where she enjoyed hosting family holidays and gatherings in the home she lovingly maintained.

Later in life, Shirley shared a wonderful companionship with Vincent Trovati. Although they never married, they enjoyed approximately ten happy years together, and Shirley embraced his daughter, Jocelyn Trovati, as her stepdaughter.

Shirley had a lifelong love of tennis and duplicate bridge. She was an accomplished bridge player who continued competing and earning master points well into her late eighties. She also loved animals, volunteered with lost pet and animal welfare organizations, and found great joy in helping dogs and cats in need.

Although she left England as a young woman, Shirley proudly embraced America as her home and often said that moving here changed her life for the better. She enjoyed traveling, especially Caribbean cruises and visits to London to see her beloved mother.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Susan Martinetti, a real estate broker and leasing specialist, and her husband, John Martinetti, of Long Valley, New Jersey; her son, David Waller, an attorney, entrepreneur, and business owner, and his wife, Enelda Waller, of Hallandale Beach, Florida; her grandsons, Justin Waller of New York City, Alex Waller and Brett Waller of Nutley, New Jersey; her step-granddaughter, Christina Martinetti of Mendham, New Jersey; her step-grandson, Raul Medina of Hallandale Beach, Florida; and her stepdaughter, Jocelyn Trovati.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Marwa “Sabrina” Amar, Enelda Waller for the extraordinary compassion, love, and devoted care they provided during Shirley’s final months. Their kindness brought comfort, dignity, and peace to Shirley and her family.

Shirley will be honored at a Committal Service at Beth El Cemetery, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652, US, on July 3, 2026 at 10:30 am.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Shirley’s life on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 239 Westervelt Lane, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ASPCA or another animal rescue or animal welfare organization in Shirley’s memory.

Shirley will be remembered for her kindness, loyalty, strength, independence, and love of family. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.