Obituary of Shirley Jane Christman

Shirley Jane Christman Rome Shirley Jane Christman, who resided at Colonial Park Nursing Home for the past year and a half, passed away on Sunday, October 14, 2012. Born in Wilkes-Barre PA on September 1, 1925, she was the daughter of Clyde and Arline Harrison Christman. Shirley graduated from Coughlin High School, Class of 1943, in Wilkes-Barre. Shortly after graduation, she moved to New York City where she lived and worked for The New York Telephone (Verizon) Company in the business office. Upon retiring in 1975, she returned to Kingston, P A for several years before moving to Rome, NY in 1983 to be near family. An active member of the Ava Dorfman Senior Citizen Center since settling in Rome, Shirley made and enjoyed many friends at the center, where she learned how to play Bridge. She played three days a week and loved the game and her card group, as well as socializing with the other players, until just a few years ago. She also loved travelling with Ava Dorfman on her many group trips, especially enjoying the trips to Alaska, Bermuda, Niagara on the Lake, and Boston to hear the Boston Pops every year. In 1996, she and her good friend, Nell Mathys, took a 31 day 'around the world' trip when they rode elephants, held koala bears, and saw the Taj Mahal. Ever since childhood, Shirley was an animal lover, especially of dogs, and she thoroughly enjoyed the weekly pet visits at the nursing home when staff brought their pets to interact with the residents. She was predeceased by her sister, Dorothy I. Caspar; a brother-in law, Robert B. Caspar; a nephew-in law, David H. Bostwick, and her precious cat, Princess. She is survived by her nieces Gail Caspar Bostwick, Rome, NY, Linda C. Hinman (Kirk), Rome, NY, nephews Robert Clyde Caspar (Susan), Dover, MA; nephew, Barry Christman Caspar, Houston, TX, and several great nieces and nephews. Her family would like to thank The Rome Home, Bethany Gardens, and The Colonial Park Nursing Home for their wonderful care and compassion. For those wishing to make a donation in Shirley's memory, please consider The Rome Home, 417 No. Washington St., Rome, NY. Funeral services are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 West Chestnut Street, with services to be held in Wilkes Barre, P A, at the convenience of the family.