Shirley G. (Gamber) Kaupas

With great sadness we regret to inform the family and friends of the passing of Shirley G. Kaupas, 91, a resident of Newington, CT for the past 31 years.

Shirley was born on July 27, 1931 to Frederick O. and Anna (Rauch) Gamber in Torrington, CT.  Her family eventually settled in Avon, CT.  Shirley was an honor roll student in high school, but had to quit at 17 to go to work and support her family, due to her father having broken his back.  She had a strong work ethic, starting young. From returning glass soda bottles to doing chores and favors for older people in her neighborhood, Shirley knew how to make pocket money.  After a number of retail and waitressing jobs (notably Teresa’s Restaurant), she worked over 25 years at Stanley Magic Door (now Access Technologies).  After retiring, she proceeded to work at Stop & Shop for 13 years, retiring at age 82.

Shirley raised four children who loved her dearly.  She was a loving mother and summers on Pleasant St. in New Britain were spent playing kick the can, hide and seek, and baseball games she organized.  There were vacations at the beach in Westbrook.  She loved crocheting, reading, and watching Naked and Afraid.

Left to mourn her passing are her daughters Bunny (her main caregiver) and her husband Joseph Kowalczyk, Nancy and her husband Keith Bosco, Linda and her husband Jim McKeen.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michael Kowalczyk, JoAnne (Kowalczyk) Libano, John Bosco; her very much loved great-granddaughter Avery Libano; twin siblings John (Jackie) Gamber and Jane (David) Franczak and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Albin A. Kaupas (her Albie); her beloved son, Rick Kaupas (her Sonny Boy, according to Dad); by her siblings, Carol Vaughn, Barbara Burr, Fred and Henry Gamber; by three infant siblings; and several nephews.

A very heartfelt thanks to Mom’s caregivers, Bronia and Maggie, and the hospice nurses from Hartford Healthcare, Susan and Melanie, for all of their loving care.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10 AM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Hwy, Kensington, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Joseph Church, Divine Providence Parish in New Britain.  Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery.  Calling hours are Wednesday from 5-7 PM at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN. www.stjude.org.