Shirley Lewis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, died June 26 at age 80 at her home in Pacific Palisades, where she had lived for 33 years. She was surrounded by her husband Gershon and their three daughters. Born to Philip and Bertha Brostoff in Chicago, Shirley moved with her family to Los Angeles in the midst of the Depression. She graduated from Roosevelt High in Boyle Heights, and also attended L.A. City College, East L.A. College, and Santa Monica College as part of her lifetime dedication to learning and enjoying art. She served with distinction as an officer and member of the Museum Service Council at LACMA for over 25 years. She was an excellent secretary and served as a member of the staff of the first Israeli consulate in Los Angeles from 1949 to 1952. She remembered the visit of Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion to the office, when she was introduced as the English-speaking secretary and he quipped, ‘So she’s the shiksa.’ Later, she was administrative aide to George E. Brown, Jr. when he was first elected to the State Assembly. But the center of Shirley’s life was her family. She is mourned by and enveloped by love from her husband of 57 years, Gershon; daughters and sons-in-law, Karen Lewis and Bill Penna of northern California, Ellen Lewis and Walther Hetzer of Vienna, Austria, and Susan and Steve Miles of Encino; grandchildren Paul, Samantha and Lauren Miles, Hanna and Rebecca Lewis-Hetzer, and Julia Penna Lewis; and numerous other relatives and friends. Shirley remembered the love and friendship of the Witz family, who took her and her parents into their home in Monterey Park when they first arrived from Chicago, and also love from Gershon’s extended Lewis family when she became part of it. This was very important for her, as she had no siblings. Shirley created an unbelievable group of friends that she and Gershon (also called Lee by her and by many acquaintances) touched, from politics, art, neighbors, Monterey Park (where they resided for 20 years before moving to the Palisades) and the Jewish community. Together with her family, these friends provided the support that enabled her to deal with the illnesses of her latter years with such strength and courage. With family and friends spread from California across the U.S. to Europe and Israel, having family gatherings and celebrations were of the utmost importance, as were those with friends. The Fourth of July fiesta at their home was a must, with margaritas and good Mexican food, followed by front-row seats in the backyard for the fireworks show. Shirley was renowned for her ‘class and style.’ No matter the situation or occasion, she was ‘always put together.’ She loved nice and beautiful clothes, not necessarily expensive ones, but with style. Her home was put together in the same manner. She wore the badge of Liberal with pride and was committed to peace. As recently as January, she was standing with a placard on the corner of Sunset and Swarthmore urging an end to the war. The Lewis family extends special thanks to Lupe Rivas for her loving assistance during the final few days; to Marge Herman, Shirley’s special friend for 70 years; and to the many friends in Pacific Palisades these past 33 years for their welcome. Particularly, thanks to their havurah at Kehillat Israel, to the seniors group at KI, and to KI’s staff and members for their support. The family moved to the Palisades because Shirley was a ‘beach’ person, and after Gershon finished his third term as councilman and mayor of Monterey Park, she said, ‘Let’s go to the Palisades.’ A smart decision! This beautiful, intelligent, caring woman with blue eyes, a happy smile, outstretched arms and love for all will be sorely missed. More than 150 mourners attended the funeral service at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) on June 29, which was conducted by Rabbi Sheryl Lewart and Cantor Chayim Frenkel of Kehillat Israel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, the New Israel Fund, or the Rabbi Lewart Fund at Kehillat Israel.
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