Here’s to Shirley! What a lovely person. Strong and warm. She was the mother of my good friend Netsy, but in a way she was in my corner too. My mother and Shirley were good friends. My mom died young and Shirley stayed vital till 100! She always asked about me and told stories of my mother and her croquenbouche (🤣) so her passing is a loss for me too— the end of an era.

Condolences to David, Netsy, Marsha and Ben, and all the grands and great grands. Beautiful big loving family.

The words and stories at the service were great. Very sweet and very funny. The rabbi and the tie! 🤣

Sending love to all!

Jeannie Finberg 

Shirley was a force.!!! She impacted my daily actiities and helped me develop a more positive attitude in my life. She was a balabusta and my best friend.

In Stamford, in NYC, as well as when I was her guest for several memorable seasons on Long Boat Key, she was my social director. She directed all things fun: bridge, theater, concerts, parties, books, movies. She would sometimes take me back stage after a show, and the star would welcome her with, "Hello Shirley!" I felt so important posing for photos with them. She also delighted me with her wonderful home cooked meals.

She was my role model as to how to maintain an amicable family life and how to manage the inevitable diverse opinions and quirks in individual life styles. This is not a given. Other families do not fare so well. She was my model for how to enjoy the good times and cope with the bad times that inevitably go along with life.

She was extraordinarily mindful of her friends and family. She lovingly extolled the accomplishments of her own family, but she also did the same with the accomplishments of my family. When I bragged about mine, she would share my nachos. After that I did not have to share the good news with other friends because there was Shirley, bragging about my kids to others.

Shirley was a great cook and very generous. Our Yiddish Club was very successful. Shirley would bring her Yiddish language skills. She also brought her kugels and cakes. Most of the success of the club was due to her tasty offerings.

She would use any excuse to make a party. Birthday parties for her friends and family, Jewish holidays, American holidays. Her festive July 4 parties were a huge success. A party such as this would be very difficult for me to hostess, with the accompanying mess of shells, lobster juices, bibbs, crackers and picks, dirty dishes. And when a bunch of Jews eat this not too familiar food, there were always spills and squirts of lobster juice. Shirley thought nothing of these inconveniences and added the drinks, sides and desserts. And HOSPITALITY!! Everyone was so happy, particularly Shirley. And if anyone else had a party, Shirley always contributed something delicious.

I am sorry for your loss. I started to feel her loss 3-1/2 years ago when I moved to Massachusetts. But her impact on my life lingers on.

Best of Luck to you all,

Judy Liebeskind