Florence Shirley Lipsman

Florence Lipsman, 98, long-time Bettendorf and Davenport resident, passed away on December 8, 2025, at Senior Star Memory Care unit, Davenport, Iowa, after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for several years. She was predeceased in 2000 by her husband of 53 years, Joe Lipsman.

Florence was born in Des Moines, Iowa, to the late Leo Marcovis and Mary Covich Marcovis in 1927. She also had a beloved younger brother, the late James Marcovis (late Shirley Weindruch).

Florence and Joe raised five children in Bettendorf: Bill (Wendy, Highland Park, IL), Mike (West Des Moines, IA), Carol Gajewski (Jeff Gajewski, Santa Fe, NM), Herb (Susan, Cypress, TX), and Steve (Chicago, IL). She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

She enjoyed being a part of the Marcovis family from Des Moines and is survived by her brother’s three children Barbara Khalatschi (Menashe), Frank Marcovis (Janel), and David, and their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by her Covich cousin, Sue (Richard) Cottle, Palo Alto, CA.

Florence was an active member of Joe’s large family of siblings and nieces and nephews after moving to Davenport following their wedding in 1947. She was particularly close to surviving nieces and nephews Roberta Lipsman (late Eric Wright, Denver, CO), Jeff Lipsman (Scottsdale, AZ), Cathy Lipsman (Tucson, AZ), Sandy Lipsman (New York, NY), Frank Lipsman (Janet Mark, Kansas City, MO), Julie Jacobson (David, Chicago, IL), and Cindy Goldstein (Gerry, Jacksonville, FL).

She was a devoted caregiver to her husband and children. When Joe became ill, she provided home care for him. After he passed, Florence continued to provide care, giving advice to her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren. Once all her children left the nest, she enjoyed working at clothing stores Schutman’s, Younker’s, and Petersen’s. This was a natural career for her having grown up working part-time in her parent’s men’s store in Des Moines.

A private burial service will be held at The Tri-City Jewish Cemetery, 602 South Fairmount Street, Davenport, Iowa, on December 11, 2025, at 10:00 am. A public memorial service and meal of condolence will be held at Congregation Beth Israel, 2215 Kimberly Road, Davenport, Iowa, immediately following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Florence’s memory may be made to the senior care program of the Jewish Federation of the Quad-Cities, c/o Alan Ross, 2215 Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52807.