Shirley (Singer) Kane

The Memorial Service for Shirley Kane will be available for livestreaming at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 2nd via the following link: https://emanuelsinai.org/live-streams/

WORCESTER – Shirley (Singer) Kane, age 89 of Worcester, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 23, 2023. She was surrounded by the loving presence of her family throughout her final days.

Born on July 8, 1934 in Detroit, MI, Shirley was the daughter of Natalia “Nellie” (Lubash) and Philip Singer. She is survived by her 3 children; Pamela Kane and her partner, Roy Charrette of Palm Harbor, FL, Stephanie Kane Gilman of Newton, MA, and Jennifer Brunelle and her husband, Stephen Brunelle of Worcester, MA. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Ross and Danielle Andrews, Ari and Noah Gilman, and Evan, Joshua and Emma Brunelle, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 49 years, Benson Kane, and her brother, Milton Gene Singer.

Shirley grew up in New York City, and was a proud graduate of the High School of Music and Art. She went on to attend Clark University for her Bachelor’s Degree and later also earned her Master’s Degree from Clark. While an undergrad, she met her husband, Benson, a graduate student at Clark, and they built and shared a wonderful life together, first settling and raising their family in Worcester, and later in Boston.

Shirley worked for decades in Worcester and Boston as a dedicated volunteer for many area organizations. Her volunteer work ranged from community projects such as the JCC Israeli Expo and Bazaar and the 80th Anniversary Jewish Home Cookbook, to advocating on behalf of children of domestic violence, as a CASA volunteer, and work resettling Russian immigrants. She also indulged her passion and love of history, art and teaching as a tour guide at the Massachusetts State House, the Worcester Art Museum and Brandeis’ Rose Art Museum.

Shirley was a lifelong learner with an active, curious, sharp and engaging mind, taking classes and attending lectures on a wide range of topics well into her 80s. Always eager to experience new things and learn more about people and places, she was an adventurous world traveler, with her late husband, Benson, and also with family and friends. With a unique eye for design, she collected an eclectic mix of art and unusual treasures on her many travels.

She loved and adored her family and her wide circle of friends and was especially interested in supporting and encouraging her children and grandchildren in their individual interests and passions. More than anything, she cherished time with family and friends and looked for any opportunity to gather everyone together. She will be deeply missed.

Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 2nd at Temple Emanuel Sinai, 661 Salisbury Street, in Worcester. Memorial Observances will be announced at the service. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Worcester Jewish Healthcare Center ( www.jhccenter.org ), the National Parkinson’s Foundation ( www.parkinson.org ) or a charity of your choice.