Abra Frances Shapiro

Abra Shapiro, 85, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026. She was born on June 19, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Stan and Eda Goldberg.

Abra was a bright and dedicated student at Lake View High School in Chicago. She continued her education at Northern Illinois University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.

Abra worked as a speech therapist with Chicago Public Schools. Through her patience and kindness, she helped many students find confidence and expression, making a lasting difference in their lives. After moving from Chicago to the suburbs, Abra became a full-time mother.

She was married to her beloved husband, Alfred “Al” Shapiro, for 50 beautiful years until his passing in 2014. Their life together was filled with love, partnership, and shared memories.

Abra had a deep passion for horses, which became a central part of her life. She took riding lessons as a child in Chicago and rode with her parents. When she had children, she introduced them to riding as well. Over the years, Abra was both a devoted rider and a dedicated “horse show mom,” driving her horse trailer throughout the Midwest to support her children at competitions. In later life, she took great pride in breeding Irish Draught horses, a pursuit that brought her joy and fulfillment. Abra eventually returned to riding at Walk On Farm, a therapeutic riding center in Barrington, where she continued her passion and rode independently on her favorite horse, Wilbur, until the age of 84.

Abra loved to travel with friends and family. She explored destinations across the United States and around the world, always eager to experience new places and cultures.

She was generous, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate. Abra enjoyed helping others and supported many charitable causes. She held strong convictions about both national and local issues and was fiercely protective of nature and animals.

Abra treasured time with her children and grandchildren. She hosted many family gatherings in her home, where meals, conversation, and laughter were shared for hours.

Abra is survived by her children, Susan (Randy) Jensen, Julie (David) Siegel, Alison (Scott Stoolmaker) Shapiro, and Matthew (Michelle) Shapiro; her grandchildren, Caroline, Will, Aaron, Rin, Ainslie, and Georgia; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William Goldberg.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 18th at 3:00 pm at North Shore Congregation Israel with a Shiva following from 4 pm to 7pm located at 1185 Sheridan Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walk On Farm, Equine Assisted Activities: https://walkonfarm.org/donate/ or the American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society

For a livestream of the service, please click here: Abra Shapiro memorial Service