Obituary of Anne Shapiro

Anne Shapiro passed away on October 15, 2014. She was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, but lived most of her life in Brooklyn and then Queens, New York. In 1999, she and her husband, William, moved to Guilderland, much to the delight of her children and grandchildren, who resided in that region. During her upstate years, Anne’s family increased to include – in addition to her two children and five grandchildren – six great grandchildren. Anne was predeceased by her loving husband, Bill, of 61 years, her sisters Flo and Regina and her brothers Ralph and Morris. During the course of her 91 years, she also witnessed the passing of many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Anne worked for ten years at Metropolitan Life in New York City, as an Assistant Manager in claims, where she made several lifelong friends. Prior to this, she loved being a stay-at-home mother during her children’s formative years. Everyone who knew Anne, knew how much she loved being a mother. Her ability to balance unconditional love, yet set limits was truly a gift to be admired. The Shapiro family lost its matriarch with the passing of Anne. As the last surviving member of her generational tier, she was renowned for her love of cooking and entertaining large groups of family and friends. Anne’s mother used to fondly refer to her daughter’s house as “Grand Central Station,” since it was always the central gathering place for all. Anne was stubbornly independent and despite her failing health over the past couple of years, lived on her own until the day before her death. She always preferred to give rather than receive help. She also was an excellent listener. Friends, grandchildren, nieces and nephews from literally all over the world, often called to seek out her advice and counsel. She had an uncanny ability for making people feel better. Whether it was a waitress or a sale’s clerk at a local store, Anne always found a way to promote small talk and have it evolve into the offering of words of support or appreciation. Even a repair man visiting her home, could not leave her house without being fed a snack, or getting some advice about some personal matter. Anne was an avid reader, and lover of all kinds of music - from classical to jazz to rhythm and blues. At an early age, she became a fan of baseball and golf, and until her final day, read the sports pages from front to back. Whenever the conversation turned to sports, you could count on Anne to be involved, with strong opinions, and sometimes even scooping the others with information about one of her favorite players. Anne will always be remembered and admired by her family and friends for her strength, and positive outlook on life and people. To all who knew her she represents a loss that will never be replaced. She gave so much to so many. She will be always be remembered, honored, loved and missed. Survivors include her daughter, Carol Fruiterman, and her two children Mara (Mike) Bayewitz, and their three children Molly, Ezra and Zoe; David Fruiterman (Cheryl), and their two children Abbey and Zach; and her son Alan Shapiro (Sandy), and their three children, Carrie Shapiro (Adam Labuda), and their son Pace, Jamie Strait (Brad), and Adam Shapiro. We would like to thank the caring and hard working staff at St. Peters Emergency Room and Cardiac Care Unit. Also, a word of gratitude to the very warm and compassionate. Dr. Sharon Tietgens who fully understood Anne’s medical needs, and worked wonderfully with her stubborn resistance to medical intervention. Funeral services will be held on Monday October 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 438-1002. The interment will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY, (518) 581-9128. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anne’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association.