Shirley H. Edwards
November 11, 1927 ~ July 17, 2023
Born in:
Stafford, CT
Resided in:
Hamden, CT
Shirley H. Edwards, 95, loving wife of 58 years to the late Richard H. Edwards, III, of Hamden, passed away July 17, 2023 after a brief illness. Beloved mother of Julia Anne Edwards, who loved and supported her at home so she could enjoy her last years in Hamden; and Richard H. Edwards, IV, also of Hamden, her ever-present companion and handyman. Predeceased by her sister, Rev. Ruth Powell, and brothers, Howard and Randall Horsman.
Shirley was born in Stafford, CT November 11, 1927, daughter of the late Frederick V. and Mabel Colburn Horsman. She graduated from Stafford High School and was a proud graduate of one of the first UCONN School of Nursing Classes in 1950. Her career began at Greenwich Hospital, and continued at Grace New Haven Hospital, until she met and married Dick Edwards in 1957. After raising their two children, she returned to nursing at several local nursing homes prior to her retirement. Shirley and Dick were most recently members of the Spring Glen Church and helped out with the “Merry Mailers” and “Meals to Heal” programs.
Shirley loved animals and shared her life with numerous cats and dogs. She was never one to miss a family gathering, and especially loved the holidays; home fireworks in Stafford and for years making hundreds of Christmas cookies to share with family and friends. She always enjoyed home-cooked Sunday meals and a friendly Scrabble game, saying, “It doesn’t matter who wins, it’s the joy of playing the game!” She will be missed by many, and her friends and family can live in solace knowing that, in her words, her last day “was a wonderful day.”
A Memorial Service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, November 11th at 2:00 p.m. in Spring Glen Church, 1825 Whitney Ave., Hamden.
Julia please accept my sincere condolences in the loss of your mother.
Sending prayers of healing and love to her family, especially to her very devoted daughter, Julie and son Richard.
Shirley will be remembered by members of Spring Glen Church for the years of service by her and Dick.
Sending condolences to our cousins Richard and Julie. Aunt Shirley was a role model to me and helped me to choose nursing as a career. I always enjoyed our family get togethers with the Horsman aunts, uncles and cousins.
Julie & Rich
Very sorry about the loss of your mother.
With deepest sympathy Tony & Phyllis DeLucia
I had the distinct honor of meeting Shirley through the Spring Glen Church when she and her husband volunteered to take me to doctor appointments. They were both such lovely people. I’d call her regularly to keep in touch and we’d have pleasant conversations where she’d always ask how I was doing. Shirley and her late husband were two of the finest people I’ve ever met. While I am saddened by Shirley’s passing and not being able to speak with her again, knowing that Shirley lived a long and fulfilling life provides some comfort. Sincere condolences to Julie and Richard, as well as her other family members and friends. May she rest in eternal peace.
I was your next door neighbor in the late 50’s.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was such a genuinely nice woman.
Joan Kelsey Thomas
Your mom had a heart of gold and a smile and presence to match. She was so present at Spring Glen Church helping others including preparing Meals to Heal along with your dad- of which we were recipients. I can still picture them standing at our door with such a welcomed meal. Your mom was a real role model to me. A kinder person you couldn’t find.
I am so grateful to have known her and grateful to you both for ensuring that she could always live at home.
I will so miss not being able to attend the service as we will be in Massachusetts for a memorial service for a family member-same date and time. Bless you both and your surrounding family and know that she was so well loved by us all.