Shirley J. Sam Williams-Spellman
December 20, 1942 — February 13, 2007
Shirley J. �"Sam Williams-Spellman, 64, passed over peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at Stamford Hospital after a long battle with lung cancer. She was a long time resident and descendant of many generations in Stamford. Shirley was a deeply loved single-mother of three children. She was an accomplished singer and artist who passionately enjoyed gardening and antique hunting. Sam co-owned and operated an antique shop, Resale and Consignment, for many years with partners Margo and Rhoda. She enjoyed an early retirement at the age of 62.
She is survived by her mother, Frieda Williams; a brother, David Williams; Barbara J. Burbank and Martin L. Burbank, her daughter and son-in-law; and John J. Palermo and Dana Palermo, her son and his wife. She was the proud grandmother of four girls, Mellisa A. Burbank, Jessica L. Burbank, Jenna C. Palermo and Molly A. Palermo. As well as many family members and numerous lifelong friends who have been blessed to know her and honored to call her daughter, sister, mom, aunt, grandma and friend.
Shirley was predeceased by her eldest daughter, Jodi A. Lorenti; and two brothers, George Williams, Jr.; and Richard Williams.
Final arrangements have been made through Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, and will remain private as per her final wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Loving Memory of Shirley Spellman to The Bennett Cancer Center, c/o Stamford Health Foundation, 9 West Broad Street, Stamford, CT 06902. The family invites all to honor �"Gramma Sam by participating in the annual Bennett Cancer Center Walk, Run & Ride. The family will be coordinating a team to walk in the event and requests that you send a condolence via www.cognetta.com, so that we may contact you in the near future with the details.
She is survived by her mother, Frieda Williams; a brother, David Williams; Barbara J. Burbank and Martin L. Burbank, her daughter and son-in-law; and John J. Palermo and Dana Palermo, her son and his wife. She was the proud grandmother of four girls, Mellisa A. Burbank, Jessica L. Burbank, Jenna C. Palermo and Molly A. Palermo. As well as many family members and numerous lifelong friends who have been blessed to know her and honored to call her daughter, sister, mom, aunt, grandma and friend.
Shirley was predeceased by her eldest daughter, Jodi A. Lorenti; and two brothers, George Williams, Jr.; and Richard Williams.
Final arrangements have been made through Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, and will remain private as per her final wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Loving Memory of Shirley Spellman to The Bennett Cancer Center, c/o Stamford Health Foundation, 9 West Broad Street, Stamford, CT 06902. The family invites all to honor �"Gramma Sam by participating in the annual Bennett Cancer Center Walk, Run & Ride. The family will be coordinating a team to walk in the event and requests that you send a condolence via www.cognetta.com, so that we may contact you in the near future with the details.
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