Shirley Catherine Sabin

Shirley Catherine Sabin of Eastham, MA died on January 28, 2025 at her assisted living residence in Paoli, PA.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Edward C. Sabin and younger son, Philip Sabin.  She is survived by her son and his wife Robert and Regina Sabin, her daughter Nancy Sabin Hinds, and 3 grandchildren, Patricia and Michael Sabin, and Michaela Sabin Hinds.

Shirley was born in Watertown, MA to Albert J. and Katherine E. LaFort, and had two sisters, Joanne O’Donnell of Falmouth, MA, and Norma Wilkinson of Poplar Bluff, MO.  She married Edward Sabin in 1956.  Shirley and Ed raised their family in Bloomfield, CT.  Before retiring, Shirley worked for a construction management company as Vice President of Administration.

Shirley was very creative, skilled at sewing and crafts, loved flower arranging, and enjoyed swimming, skiing, and camping.  Shirley was a dedicated volunteer all her life.  In Bloomfield, she delivered Meals-On-Wheels, was a Girl Scout Leader, sat on the Parks & Recreation committee for 20 years, taught flower arranging, and ran flower shows with Dunland Woods Garden Club.  She chaperoned teen square dancing, and spent countless hours assisting with swim team and synchronized swimming practices and meets.   Shirley and Ed were members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Hartford.

In 1991 Shirley and Ed retired to Cape Cod where they very much enjoyed being “full-time” volunteers.  They worked with the town of Eastham, Habitat for Humanity, their church, and the Cape Cod National Seashore.  Shirley was on the Board of Directors at the Nauset Light Preservation Society and part of the effort that moved Nauset Light back from the eroding cliff.  She edited four books for Cape Cod National Seashore, helped edit their newsletter, and provided hundreds of photos documenting Nauset Light.

Shirley and Ed researched and documented the life of Captain Edward Penniman.  They gave tours at Eastham’s Captain Penniman House, Nauset Light, the Three Sisters lighthouses, and the 1869 Schoolhouse Museum.  Shirley ran the Eastham Windmill weekend Craft Show for many years.  In 2009 Shirley and Ed were recognized for their efforts as the Eastham Windmill Weekend Honorees.

Shirley was always busy making something or helping with some project or cause.  She had a bright smile and deeply loved her family.  She will be buried with her husband and son at the Mountain View Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT.  Funeral services will be private.