Shirley Harrisburg Korobkin, 90, of Danvers, MA and Old Orchard Beach, ME died peacefully on October 26, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born to the late Samuel and Frances (Koupchik) Harrisburg, Shirley grew up in Old Orchard Beach and graduated salutatorian (2nd in her class) from Thornton Academy, Class of 1948, in Saco, ME. At a young age, Shirley knew that one day she would become a teacher. She received her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and was a member of the second graduating class. Following Brandeis, Shirley received a master’s degree in education from Tufts University.
For over 30 years, Shirley was a 5th and 6th grade teacher in the Danvers Public system, beginning with the Great Oak school and retiring from the Dunn Middle School in 1996. Teaching generations of schoolchildren in Danvers, she imparted her love of English, reading, words, and grammar by toting her portable piano to school – making memorable lessons through music and humor. Shirley and her husband Harvey (who also was a teacher) owned the Windward Sail Motel of Old Orchard Beach and operated it during the summer months for 61 years. Shirley also found pleasure in her hobby of antiquing, making many friends in this avocation.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband Harvey Korobkin (married for 68 years); her brothers Robert and late wife Saralee (Levinsky) of Portland, ME and Harold and wife Phyllis (Berman) of Old Orchard Beach, ME. She is also survived by her sons Paul and wife Susan (Brenerman) Korobkin of Portland, ME; Steven and wife Ellen (Morrisroe) Korobkin of Kennebunkport, ME; and Carl and wife Inbar (Peled) Korobkin of Los Altos, California.
Shirley will also be missed by her grandchildren Matthew Korobkin of Westmont, NJ; Molly Jones of Cambridge, MA; Scott Korobkin of Long Beach, CA; Andrew Korobkin of Saco, ME; Marc Korobkin of West Chester, PA; Emma Korobkin, Rachel Korobkin and William Korobkin all of Los Altos, CA. She is also survived by one great granddaughter, Julie Korobkin, of Westmont, NJ.
In lieu of flowers Donations can be made to Brandeis University, Institutional Advancement Division, Donation in Memory of Shirley H Korobkin, 415 South Street, MS126, Waltham, MA 02453 or The Cedars 630 Ocean Ave, Portland ME 04103.
A graveside service at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Portland ME will be held on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 2pm.
Immediately following the service, a brief Shiva will be observed at Chabad of Maine 11 Pomeroy Street Portland ME