Entered into rest September 5, 2023
Beloved wife of the late Harold Chatis, daughter of Samuel and Bessie (Potash) Shneider, sister of the late Beatrice (Bookie) Shneider and Dr. Leonard Shneider. A lifelong resident of Peabody, she devotedly loved her city. Shirley lived her entire life on Evans Road, in the house her father bought when she was in first grade. She was a graduate of Peabody public schools and attended Boston University. A professional travel agent (Shoreline Travel) and member of Women in Travel, Shirley was a consummate professional, earning accolades and deep appreciation from her many loyal clients over her long career. She herself traversed the world at a time when women rarely traveled alone. She was confident, elegant and sophisticated, appreciating different cultures and making friends. In all her world-wide travel, she was most proud of taking her mother to Bermuda.
Shirley was very active in the Jewish community. She was an active member of the former Temple Beth El in Swampscott, a life member and contributing board member of Sisterhood and a singer in the Chorale Society. She was a member of Temple Ner Tamid, a board and life member of Hadassah, and a longtime volunteer for many years at the Union Hospital Gift Shop.
Fiercely independent, Shirley lived alone until she was 98. She spent her last year at the Brudnick Center for Living in Peabody, where the director said she had never known a 99-year-old like Shirley. Shirley was an astute businesswoman, who conversed with alacrity about the economy, politics, investments, travel and culture, truly a dynamic force!
Shirley leaves a beloved first cousin, Rena (Potish) Mirkin and her dear husband Howard. She was grateful for the friendship of Judy and Tom Petkavitch and her cousin Larry Potash. She was most appreciative of her devoted lawyer, Betsy Rooks.
A graveside service for Shirley will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 12:00 PM at Maple Hill Cemetery, Workman’s Circle, Peabody, MA 01960.
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