Obituary of Shirley Elderkin

Shirley Elderkin, a lifelong resident of the Rockville section of Vernon, passed away at the age of 95 at Hartford Hospital on June 11, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Hector and Louise Eitelman Blair, and the wife of the late George D. Elderkin, a World War II veteran. She was predeceased by her only child, Gary Elderkin, in 2021.

Shirley will be fondly remembered by her community at the First Lutheran Church, Ellington, where she often brought her famous coffee cake or deviled eggs for fellowship after services. A graduate of Rockville High School, she served as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Club for over 60 years. She worked as an aide at Fox Hill Nursing Home, and relaxed at the Rein’s Deli counter with coffee and cheesecake.

She was beloved by her longtime next-door neighbors, Tom and Pegi Shea, and by her honorary grandchildren, Deirdre and Tommy Shea. She attended their activities, birthdays, and other special occasions, and spoiled them when she babysat. Her favorite season was summer, and she spent afternoons reading on her sunny deck or shady porch, swimming at the Horowitz pool in Henry Park or at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire, watching fireworks, and enjoying cookouts. Shirley loved animals and cared for Slow Hand, Sunny, and Finn Shea, as dearly as her own cat, the 18-pound “Tiny.” Generous with love and humor, Shirley Elderkin will be sorely missed.