Early Life

Shirley’s parents wanted to host a nice wedding complete with a white gown. Her mom handled the details.

After graduating from NYU, Shirley Schlanger married Seymour Abrahamson in 1953. She was 19 years old.

Shirley graduated Phi Beta Kappa from New York University in three years.

Shirley and Seymour became engaged when she was 18. Her father was delighted because he feared she was becoming too educated to attract a man. Her mother liked Seymour but thought that Shirley was too young to marry.

Shirley attended New York University, majoring in Political Science and minoring in English literature. She also studied French, Spanish, History, Sociology, and Philosophy.

Shirley decided to attend New York University because her friend Kitty had a sister who was going to college there.

Shirley graduated from Hunter College High School in 1950.

Shirley began dating Seymour during her senior year of high school, while he was finishing Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Shirley met her future husband, Seymour Abrahamson, during high school when the two were working at a summer camp.

Shirley and her younger sister Roz shared a bedroom in their family home. While they had very different interests and friends, they got along well. Later in life, they especially enjoyed traveling together.