Shirley Beatrice Finkelstein Bernstein

Shirley Beatrice Finkelstein Bernstein died on January 3, 2016 following a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Shirley was born in Wilmington, NC on January 8, 1927 to Charles and Jenny Finkelstein, both deceased. She was also predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Martin Bernstein, and by her brother and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 11:00 am at Temple Emanuel, located at 713 N. Greene Street. Burial will follow at the Greensboro Hebrew Cemetery on Gate City Blvd. (formerly High Point Road).

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Shirley dedicated herself to her family, both immediate and extended. Following completion of a Bachelor's Degree at Duke University, she and her husband lovingly raised six children on Justamere Farm in Summerfield, NC. Shirley's love of children and nurturing soul extended beyond her own family. Shirley and her husband hosted many school picnics at Justamere Farm, and Shirley was a Girl Scout leader for many years. In 1963, her troop was among the first in Greensboro to be integrated as the Greensboro school system proceeded with school integration.

After moving from Summerfield to Greensboro, and as her own children left home, Shirley continued her devotion to young people as a tutor, both professionally and as a volunteer, of students with learning challenges. Hundreds of Greensboro children knew her and benefitted from her teaching skills.

Shirley was an avid reader, an award-winning needle pointer, and a lover of the arts, particularly opera, dance, and theatre. She also enjoyed developing her home garden, was an excellent flower arranger, and an active garden club member. She relished the beach and collecting shells. Shirley was a long-term member of Temple Emanuel, and she and her family participated in many Temple activities.

Shirley is survived by her six children: Susan Bernstein (Josh Pruzansky), Rachel Strauss (Sidney), Steve (Gail), Maggie Heller (Steven), David (Eddy), and Sarah Bernstein; ten grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Shirley's devotion and dedication to her extended family, her gracious hospitality, and her quiet, peaceful, nurturing way will always be lovingly remembered by her family and all of those whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Emanuel at 1129 Jefferson Road, Greensboro, NC 27410 or to Alzheimer's North Carolina, Inc. at 1205 Navaho Drive - Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.