Marty Shinder

Marty Shinder, 81, died on July 29, 2025, after a life devoted to justice, love, and adventure. Born in Hartford, CT, and raised on a dairy farm in Granby, she was the fourth of five siblings and is survived by her beloved spouse of nearly 37 years, Ellen; her brother Jimmy; brother-in-law Paul; and sisters-in-law Suzan, Rosalyn, and Patti. She was adored by her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Marty lived her values fully—from registering voters in Mississippi in the 1960s to decades of work in child welfare, where she fought for families with wisdom and integrity. She held degrees in European history and social work and served as a program supervisor at DCYS, where she met Ellen.

Marty loved travel, the outdoors, poetry, and books (so many books). She wore t-shirts with sharp, funny messages and often spoke the same way—once writing, “Sometimes I do indeed talk in the language of fire & storms.” But at her core, Marty believed that “freedom is the ability to still be surprised” and that “love is so much more than a four-lettered word.” She gave the best of herself to those she loved. And she will be missed more than words can hold.

A graveside service will be held at the New Milford Cemetery, 6 Poplar St in New Milford, CT, 06776 on Friday August 1 at 11:30am. Donations in Marty’s memory can be made to the ACLU, the Environmental Defense Fund, and/or the Natural Resources Defense Council.