Shirley Susan Van Duzer, 87, of Damariscotta, died Feb. 24 at Cove’s Edge, her home for the past two years. Those who loved her, including her daughter and caregivers, were with her when she died.
Shirley was born in Syracuse, N.Y. on March 5, 1921, the only child of Harold E. and Rita (Dorner) Marshall. She graduated salutatorian from Eastwood High School in Syracuse, and also attended business school there.
During WWII, Shirley traveled to Camden for a windjammer cruise on the Mattie (now sailing as the Grace Bailey). On board, she met Egbert Milton Van Duzer of Nutley, N.J. They were married soon after. Shirley and her “Van” began their life together in New Jersey, but spent most of their married life in Greenwich, Conn.
Shirley was a person of amazing vitality and energy. She worked full time for most of her life in a variety of secretarial jobs, but she always found time for her many interests. Wherever Shirley lived, she was involved in church and community, and gave her time generously to others.
Shirley loved music of all kinds, and was quite a dancer. She was an avid reader, happy gardener and flower arranger, and determined golfer. She enjoyed handwork of all kinds, including needlework and quilting.
Shirley made many friends throughout her life and was devoted to them all. She took great pleasure in planning wonderful parties, cooking special meals for her Gourmet Club, playing bridge with the neighbors and taking in the latest Broadway show with her friends.
Shirley and her husband shared a love of travel, and were always on the go. For them, planning the trip was almost as much fun as taking it. Their world journeys brought them great happiness.
In their later years, Shirley and her husband moved to Cooperstown, N.Y. and made a good life for themselves there. They also cared for Shirley’s aging parents and uncle until their deaths.
Shirley had a strong sense of commitment towards her family. She was a loyal daughter, devoted wife and caring mother and grandmother. She believed in hard work, and never shirked her responsibilities, but she also liked to have fun.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband.
She is survived by her daughter, Wendy Van Duzer Roberts and husband Michael Roberts of Cushing; granddaughter, Robin Cipollaro and husband Oreste Cipollaro of Yonkers, N.Y.; and great-grandson, Angelo Cipollaro of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at Cove’s Edge at a later date, to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Cove’s Care Fund, c/o The Development Office, 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Sympathies to the family may be expressed at hallbibber@myfairpoint.net.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall & Bibber Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 184 – 78 Main St., Thomaston.
