Shirley Pinajian

It is with great sadness we share the passing of Shirley Pinajian, 90 on July 16, 2025, an over 60 year Wayne resident.

Shirley was born to Samuel and Miriam Shainfeld, Holocaust survivors who arrived to Ellis Island for a better life. Times were extremely difficult throughout Shirley’s childhood, but she was able to overcome and flourish into a woman whose humor never wavered.

Shirley attended Paterson schools and graduated from Eastside High School - Class of 1952. Following graduation, Shirley became an administrative assistant for an established company in Paterson. Ultimately, she maintained employment at her husband, George Pinajian’s family dry cleaning business, National French Cleaners in Hawthorne. Later in life, Shirley was a customer service rep for Viva Optique where her friendly and funny attitude brought her many friendships and memorable times.

Most importantly, Shirley loved her family. In recent years, Shirley enjoyed evenings with her cherished son, Alan Pinajian as he cooked and brought her dinner most evenings and kept her company while she ate. If Alan was not there, Tara, Alan’s “Queen” as he refers to her, spent much time sharing dinners and stories with Shirley. Shirley’s daughter, Cindy Fisher devoted her retirement to taking care of Shirley during the day. Shirley and Cindy’s mother/daughter relationship had deep roots and was adored immensely by both.

In addition, Shirley’s exceptional love was shared with her grand-daughters Tracy, Kimberly and Brianna, as well as with her grandson, Scott prior to his passing, each truly believing they were Granny’s favorite. Shirley signed each card for any occasion, “To My Favorite,”which became a friendly competition between the girls and Scott. Giorgio and Joseph, Shirley’s beloved great-grandsons were also the loves of her life. Both will forever love and miss their Nanny.

To know Shirley was to love her. Shirley was everyone’s close friend, whether someone young or old. At all times she brought a smile or laughter to anyone in her company. Shirley loved alone time, watching her daily soap operas, and keeping her home spotless with either her signature carpet sweeper or dust buster never far away. Shirley enjoyed Facebook, even though at times she thought every post was written specifically to her. Shirley thrived when corresponding with others and loved watching videos on her iPhone, especially of animals and babies. She loved purchasing adorable outfits with Tara at Chico’s as well as reading a plethora of books on her kindle. Shirley loved her numerous visits to Atlantic City with her best friend, Vera, and her daily phone calls with her close friend, Joni. From her weekly hair appointments at The Gallery with Gina, to her nail manicures with Donna, to chatting with the girls, Shirley was a unique, extremely funny, chic, friendly person who was always able to get “the dirt” from anyone in which she came in contact.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Cindy Fisher (Clifford), her son, Alan Pinajian (Tara Iattarelli), grand-daughters Tracy Gelok-Fisher (Giorgio Olmo), all of Wayne, Kimberly Fisher-Moe (Brian) of Oregon, Brianna Ackerman (Sam) of Tinton Falls, and great-grandsons Giorgio and Joseph.

Shirley was predeceased by her devoted husband, George Pinajian in 1983, her dear daughter, Ellen Rosen in 2005, and her most-loving grandson, Scott Gelok in 2015.

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In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in honor of Shirley to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Atlantic Health Hospice or an organization of your choice.