Shirley N. (Nathanson) Malinowski

On Friday, January 29, 2021, Shirley Belle Nathanson Malinowski, 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by love.  Shirley was born November 19, 1922 to the late Joseph and Dora (Oguschewitz) Nathanson in Norwalk, CT.

She married her husband, Zenon Malinowski, in July of 1948 in Chicago. They were very happily married for 56 years living in the home that was designed and built for them by Robert Carroll May, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.  Shirley was the Assistant Director of Institutional Research at UCONN & was a member of the University Senate’s Faculty Standards Committee and a member of the Committee Against Racism as far back as the 70's. She was in charge of student ratings of professors and was quoted in their Newsletter as saying the ratings were “Goldmines of diagnostic information. We feel they could make the difference between a good teacher and a fantastic teacher". Shirley was a vibrant woman who loved to travel the world, especially to Italy. She was an original member of one of the longest running women's groups in the country.  She had a thirst for knowledge and literature, actually participating in the New York Times Crossword Tournaments.  She had a keen eye and love for fashion, especially jewelry. 

She is survived by her daughters: Marya Malinowski of Avila Beach, CA and Lisa Steinman and her husband, James Shugrue of Portland, OR; sister, Zelda Friedman of Flushing, NY; as well as her nephew, Michael Friedman; nieces Janet Raman and Laurie Lester; four grandnephews; one grandniece; five great grandnieces; one great grandnephew; and her cousin, Howard Ogushwitz of Storrs, CT.  Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Zenon whom she cared for since a 1989 automobile accident and her brother Norman Nathanson.

She was loved by her community and greatly loved and cared for by Kathleen Blamire Cardona as well as her devoted caregivers, Tarvine, Selena, Shontal, Gifty, and Skyler.  Many thanks to Hartford Healthcare Independence at Home, Oxford Home Care and Home Instead Senior care for providing wonderful people to care for Shirley. 

Honoring Shirley’s wishes there will be no funeral or memorial services. In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice in Shirley’s name. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome to sign the online guestbook.

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