Shirlee (Port) Edinburg

Shirlee (Shirley F. Port) Edinburg passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 of natural causes. 

Shirlee was born on January 4, 1928 in Providence, Rhode Island to Samuel and Mary (Rapaporte) Port. She was predeceased in death by her parents and her beloved younger brother, Jerry aka Dr. S. Jerome Port of Beverly Hills, California, who was a brilliant Cardiologist.

Shirlee was married to Herbert N. “Herb”  Edinburg for 64 years until his death on June 6, 2013. She is survived by her oldest daughter, Lainie (Elaine) Edinburg and son in law, Dr. Joel I Kaye of Cordillera, Colorado. Her youngest daughter is, Gloria Edinburg George, married to, Peter George of Petersham, Massachusetts, and two grandchildren,  Arie Samuel George and his family and Jeremiah Michael George. Shirlee loved and adored her Glen Echo Lake neighbors, Jack and Karen Largesse, whom she "adopted" and they called her Mum after she moved from her Worcester home to the Glen Echo Lake House full time in 2013. She had many nieces especially Evvy (Evelyn) Edinburg from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Evanne Waxler Feinberg from Australia and Adrianne Port originally from California and now Denver, Colorado all of whom stayed in frequent touch with her. She cared deeply about all of her family, nieces and nephews as well as her many friends throughout her life. 

Shirlee was the consummate show person. She started playing the accordion and singing when she was only 5 years old in front of audiences.  Her goal was to be a Broadway star but her parents did not support her pursuing that life. She continued to act as an adult in Jewish Community Center plays usually in the starring female role. She loved volunteering and was very active in the  National Council of Jewish Women serving first as their Treasurer for several years and then as the President.  She was awarded the Hannah B. Solomon Award on May 11, 2000 for all of her volunteer time, hard work and dedication to Jewish organizations.  Shirlee  worked diligently on organizing all of the entertainment and food at the First Night Street Parties in Worcester, Massachusetts which was the big celebration on Main Street each year to celebrate the New Year.

Shirlee was a fantastic cook and really enjoyed entertaining large parties which she meticulously organized at her Worcester and Lake homes. She was a fabulous home decorator with the amazing ability to decorate her two homes with the latest trends with no formal training. Shirlee always took pride in her looks and updated to the latest fashion styles with her motto "Look good, Feel Good."

Shirlee spent her last weeks at the Charlton Manor Rest Home where she received incredible care, love and support from the owner, Michael Turpin, the manager, Debra Fitts, and all of her numerous nursing staff. She also received great care from the excellent Jewish Healthcare Hospice team right at Charlton Manor to keep her comfortable and pain free. She absolutely loved and cherished her roommate, Betty, who she called "My angel". Betty comforted her 24 hours a day and even sang to her during the most difficult times.

Shirlee was buried at the Worcester, B'Nai Brith Cemetery on Friday, June 11th, 2021 next to her husband, Herb Edinburg. Rabbi Richard Rudnick did a beautiful job officiating her funeral service with the support of Bob Kalagher from Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St. Worcester.   Memorial Contributions in Shirlee’s memory may be made to the Charlton Manor Rest Home, 12 Town Farm Road, Charlton, MA 01507.