SHIRLEY ABELSON

Shirley Fierman Abelson, 96, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away August 30, 2021. Born in Wilkes Barre, PA, she was the daughter of the late Abe and Mary Fierman. Shirley was a life-time resident of Wyoming Valley, Kingston and Wilkes Barre, PA and in her later years, Boca Raton, FL.

Shirley was a graduate of Meyers High School, class of 1942. She received her B.S. Degree from Penn State University in 1945 and her M.B.A. Degree from NYU in 1946 at the age of 21. Mrs. Abelson married Arthur Abelson in 1947.  Arthur was the owner of Power Electric Supply Companies, founded in 1956 with locations in Hazleton; Syracuse, Allentown, Scranton, Lebanon, and Reading, PA.

Shirley was active in community affairs and was a member of the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Auxiliary and the Boca Raton Hospital Auxiliary. 

She starred in community theatre and was a pioneer of live television and modeling for local businesses.

Shirley and Arthur were Eternal Light Members of Temple Israel and were the donors of the Shirley and Arthur Abelson Endowment Fund. She was a Jewish Federation Lion of Judah, Lifetime Member of Hadassah, Sisterhood Member, and the JCC theatre. They were members of the Fox Hill Country Club, Valley Country Club in Hazleton, Huntsville Country Club, Valley Tennis and Swim Club, and the Westmoreland Club. 

Mrs. Abelson was an avid duplicate bridge player and in later years, developed a talent for sculpting. Her proudest sculptures were the faces of her five grandchildren and a donated piece to Temple Israel in memory of her late husband, Arthur. She enjoyed being with her family and meeting dear friends for lunch. She was an avid reader and anything financial or medical perked her interest. Shirley also enjoyed fashion, music and art.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Abelson 1987, twin brother, Gerald Fierman, sister, Zelda Laster, companion, Benjamin Trichter, and daughter-in-law, Lyndsay Abelson.

Surviving are her loving sons, Michael, Bethesda, MD; David (Jeanie), Oldsmar, FL.; and grandchildren, Jeffrey, Melissa, Alan, Amy, Adam (Arlyn) Abelson. Shirley was lovingly called Nana Gorgeous by her grandchildren.

Graveside funeral service will be conducted on Friday, September 3, 2021, at 11:00 am in Temple Israel Cemetery, Swoyersville with Rabbi Larry Kaplan, of Temple Israel officiating.

Shiva will immediately follow the funeral at 76 James St. Kingston, PA 

Friends and family are welcome to attend the Graveside Funeral Service and/or the Shiva Friday following the funeral service.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Israel, Attn: Shirley and Arthur Abelson Endowment Fund, 239 S. River St. Wilkes-Barre, PA. 18702

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