Shirley Konigsburg

January 21, 1920 - October 8, 2018

Shirley Konigsburg -beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend Shirley Konigsburg died on Sunday at the age of 98 in the home that she loved so much. She is survived by her children Bruce (Adena)Konigsburg, Cantor Linda (Albert) Kolkin Shivers, Rabbi Randall (Michelle) Konigsburg, Brian (Joyce)Konigsburg, her daughter-in-law Sandy Konigsburg, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Leonard Konigsburg, her son Dale Konigsburg, and her beloved sister Harriet Wentico. Our mother was born in Bethlehem, PA. Working in her father’s department store when she lived in Farrell, PA she became an excellent saleslady, continuing to work in the retail business in Pennsylvania and Florida while raising the children. Shirley lived in two centuries and saw vast changes in the world around her, from new fangled ball point pens to smart phones, but she never chased after fads, living a simple and straight- forward life. She met our father, Leonard Konigsburg, at a Bar Mitzvah party when she was 12 years old. They dated all through high school and were married after graduation. Her marriage of 66 years capped a love story of 74 years. They moved to Florida in 1962, and by 1964 were living in Pompano Beach, Florida. She then moved to Deerfield Beach, FL where she has lived over 30 years. Shirley was always active in her synagogues, teaching in the religious schools in both Farrell, PA and in Pompano Beach, FL. She made friends everywhere she went and most of them remained friends for many years. She was never one to seek honors, but she was indeed honored by many people who she helped in different ways over the years. She kept a Kosher home and a religious home where Jewish holidays were celebrated. Together with her sister, Harriet, she cooked up many holiday dinners and family celebrations. Notable was the endless supply of stuffed cabbage and Marble Square cookies. Our mother taught us all to be independent and self sufficient, but she was always ready to give advice if we asked. She was kind to everyone and all of us carry on her kindness legacy. We miss her very much and we are amazed at the impact she has had on so many lives, both inside our large family and outside in the wider world. May her memory always be remembered as a blessing.