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.