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Born in Bridgeport on November 9, 1925, Shirley graduated from Bridgeport’s Bassick High School. David and Shirley were teenage sweethearts and married in December 1945 after he returned from serving in the Army. More than 70 years later, friends and family remark that they have never seen two people more in love than Shirley and David. They have lived an epic romance which has been an inspiration to us all.
David’s indispensable business partner, Shirley was the office manager and bookkeeper for more than 25 years at their cleaning contracting business. David continually gives credit to his beloved wife Shirley for his achievements in the business world.
Shirley is a long-time resident of West Hartford, where she and David raised their three children and held memorable celebrations. Shirley cherished her family and always made their Jewish holidays and Thanksgivings special. Spending endless hours in the kitchen, her chopped liver, chicken soup and kugel were second to none.
A fine eye for color and design, she often expressed her dedication and love for her family through her brilliant and colorful needlepoint to beautify her home and the homes of her children and grandchildren. An exquisite knitter, Shirley also created beautiful one-of-a-kind sweaters, hats and scarves for her loved ones.
Shirley was passionate about flowers, especially if they were purple – from orchids and roses to dahlias,lilacs and African violets – her green thumb and talent for flower arranging were legendary. Wherever she went, her fun-loving fashion style and grace, combined with her zest for life, reflected both her inner and outer beauty, turning heads and attracting compliments and admiration.
Traveling around the world with the love of her life and many dear friends, she and David have countless fond memories of Israel, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Italy, China, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the United States from New England to California. They also enjoyed spending many winters taking their children skiing in Vermont with Shirley holding down the fort at the base lodge, always a beacon of strength and support for her family.
Shirley and David were founding members of Beth El Temple and Cliffside Country Club and are members of Tumblebrook Country Club. She was a member of ORT, Hadassah and volunteered for many years at UCONN Medical Center.
Predeceased by her brother Mendy Bufferd and his wife Pat, as well as many brothers- and sisters-in-law, Shirley leaves many nieces and nephews, her three children: Jay and his wife Sandra, Leni, and Sue, two grandchildren: Jeffrey Weintraub and Dr. Julie Carlson and her husband, Aaron, and their son, Shirley’s great-grandson, Caleb.
The family wants to extend their heartfelt thanks to the devoted and dedicated caregivers who helped to bring richness and dignity to Shirley’s life.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at 10:30am at Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, with Rabbi Rosen and Rabbi Kessler officiating. Interment will follow in Beth El Temple Cemetery, 51 Jackson Street, Avon. Family and friends, please join us after the interment at 596F Mountain Road, West Hartford. There will be a short service later in the afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Jennie and Morris Bufferd Fund of The Jewish Community Foundation, 333 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite D, West Hartford, CT 06117; or to a nonprofit of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Shirley, please go to their website at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.
