Shirley M. (Sabal) Apperson of Wilmington, NC, who was born in her family’s West Neck home on Shelter Island, died February 2, 2021.
Shirley was born in 1935 to Matthew and Adele (Kaminsky) Sabal in a home that her father built off West Neck Road. Her family said Shirley was always proud of the fact that she was one of the last children who was born at home on the Island, making her an official “Harelegger”.
Shirley held many fond memories of her younger years on the Island with her sister, Linda-Dell (Archuleta), and brother, Matthew, who was known as Bob. Her parents may be best remembered by their nicknames Mike and Sally. An uncle, Jack Kaminsky piloted a ferry for many years before retiring.
As an adult, Shirley always enjoyed coming back to spend summers until the home was sold shortly after her mother’s passing, her family said. Wherever life took her, there were many fond memories, and a large framed map of Shelter Island that proudly hung on one of the walls in her home.
She was predeceased by her parents, siblings and husband, Lt. Col (Ret) Edward Apperson, USAF. She is survived by her children, Debra (John) Thumann and Carlton (Mary) Apperson, and a grandson, Matthew Apperson.
Over the years, Shirley remained in contact with some of her first cousins on the Island: Robert, Billy and Mary Banks, children of her mother’s sister Ann; and Jacqueline Kaminsky, daughter of her mother’s brother Jack and his wife, Grace.
Shirley requested to go “home” to Shelter Island upon her death and her family is planning to bring her cremains to Our Lady of Isle Cemetery later this spring.
