Shirley Roberta Goldblatt

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.