Shirley Spector

Shirley Liebel Spector passed away suddenly on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the age of 72. Her family and friends are heartbroken and loved her very much. Shirley was born in Vineland, New Jersey. Her parents were David and Sylvia Liebel. The Liebels were part of a proud wave of Holocaust survivors who participated in the poultry business in South Jersey following World War II.

Following David’s untimely passing, Shirley, her mom and sister Harriet moved to Cheltenham, PA, finally settling in Philadelphia. Shirley loved her stepfather, Norman Genoy. Shirley was a graduate of Cheltenham High School. She took classes at Community College of Philadelphia and worked as an administrative assistant for the PA Department of Public Welfare for 35 years.

Shirley was married to the love of her life, Rick, for 36 years. Shirley and Rick enjoyed doing everything together, including taking long walks, watching movies, Scrabble, traveling, and Friday night restaurant outings. Shirley absolutely loved the seashore. She always took an important critical eye to her “job” of reviewing Rick’s videos. Shirley was an enthusiastic canasta player at Ohev Shalom Synagogue.

Shirley and Rick are so happy about their son Daniel. He is a software engineer with degrees from Cornell and Northeastern University. Dan lives and works in New York City. Shirley and Rick loved visiting Dan in New York, sampling restaurants and sightseeing.

Shirley is survived by her sister Harriet and brother-in-law Lou, Rick’s sister Carol and brother-in-law Ken, cousins, many nieces and nephews, and a strong group of friends. Words cannot express how much Shirley will be missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to Funeral Services Thursday, February 12 at 1:30 PM, Goldsteins' Rosenberg's Suburban North, 310 2nd Street Pike, Southampton PA 18966. Interment is private. Shiva will be observed Thursday only from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Apfelbaum residence. Contributions in Shirley’s memory can be made to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, or the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at Stockton University.

Her family and friends are beyond heartbroken and loved her very much. Shirl, Mom – you loved us unconditionally and we always have you in our memory.