Obituary of Shirley M. Frey

Shirley Mary (Shorey) Frey of East Haven died peacefully on Sunday, August 14, 2016. Born in New York City on December 27, 1928, she was the daughter of Josephine Bauski and Arthur Shorey. Shirley grew up in the Pulaski Street neighborhood of New Haven during the depression. She is predeceased by her husband, Billie S. Frey, whom she met when he was an enlisted marine studying in New Haven during World War II. Shirley and Billie shared 53 happy years. Shirley is survived by two daughters, Barbara Frey of Haddam and Caroleen Frey of Norwich and her husband Gordon L. Kyle, and 4 grandchildren: Edmund Unger and his wife Helen of Oceanside, California; Thomas Unger and his wife Darcey of North Haven; Ellen Kyle of Berkeley, California, and Anais Kyle of Bristol, Rhode Island. Shirley is also survived by two great grandchildren: Steven Unger of California and Aubrey Unger of North Haven, CT. Shirley considered her family her top priority. Shirley was employed as a lunch lady at Deer Run School in the 60’s, then became a cashier at First National and Big Buy Stores until she retired in the 90’s. She then started a second career as an engagement specialist who demonstrated new products in grocery stores in New Haven County, working until July 2015. She enjoyed this work because it brought her into personal contact with so many old and new friends. Shirley was an expert seamstress, a former Girl Scout leader and current member of the Socialites/Red Hatters of East Haven. She also loved to cook and try out new recipes. Her family wishes to thank all Shirley’s great neighbors in Maplevale, who helped so often. Thanks also to her friends, especially Jean, whose calls always brought a laugh. Thanks to the Socialites/Red Hatters for all the fun luncheons and shows, and special thanks to the caring staff at Verdi 4 West at Yale/Saint Raphael’s Hospital. Friends are invited to gather at Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, Kirkham Avenue, East Haven for visiting hours at 10 am, Saturday, August 20, 2016. This will be followed by a service celebrating Shirley’s life at 11 am. Burial will be at East Lawn Cemetery immediately afterward. Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Cancer Society. To donate to the American Cancer Society by phone, call 1-800-227-2345. To donate by mail, simply download the form from the American Cancer Society website, print it, and mail the completed donor form with your check to this address: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.