General Information

Full Name: Shirley Yaroshefsky
Date of Death: Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Shirley Yaroshefsky was born in Brooklyn on August 30, 1924 to Louis and Anna (Steinberg) Grossman.  Her mom died when she was 5 years old and she lived with her extended family   until her dad remarried Ida Grossman. Shirley was devoted to Ida. After graduation from Girls High in Brooklyn, she worked as a secretary  in the financial district until she married Joe Yaroshefsky in 1950.  They had three children, Ellen, Lois and Arty.

In 1958, the family moved from Brooklyn to Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey to live close to Joe’s twin brother and his family. Shirley enjoyed raising her family while gardening, cooking, playing mah jongg as well as caring for her ailing mother for many years. 

In 1965, the family moved a mile away to Parsippany New Jersey and Shirley went to  work at Crum and Forster Insurance agency for more than 25 years as a “clerical support:” a title her co-workers said was appropriate because she was the support for everyone.

She  moved to a condo in Rockaway, New Jersey  after Joe’s death in 1997 where she quickly became the mascot of the social circle, adding many more friends  to her life.  She had a remarkable ability to foster warm relationships with many people and  stayed in constant contact–through phone calls, cards, presents and visits.   In 2014, she moved to Atria Assisted Living  where she was beloved as well. 

In addition to her three children and their spouses, Ellen and Eric, Lois, Arty and Cheryl, two grandchildren, Mike and Dan, she leaves many people who considered her their best friend, favorite aunt, favorite cousin, “the closest thing to a grandmother” and remarkable lady. She had an uncanny ability to  touch all who knew her with her kindness and generosity.