Shirley Chernin

Shirley is remembered for her decades of service to improve the lives of individuals and communities. Although she grew up in Sydney, many of her adult years were spent in Glace Bay where she raised her children and dedicated herself to community service. As a founding member of the Glace Bay Citizens Service League, she helped to create and sustain almost 20 programs running out of Town House. She chaired the League for 40 years. She was involved in a variety of projects and activities including the Canadian Federation of University Women, Transition House and Holocaust education. Shirley was a leader in the national and local chapters of Hadassah-Wizo Canada and a fixture at the Cape Breton Bazaar held annually for 42 years. She was particularly proud of her work to preserve the history of early Jewish life in Cape Breton. She was an enthusiastic organizer of the Kuma-haym, a homecoming for the Glace Bay Jewish diaspora to celebrate 100 years of their synagogue. She donated her own photographs and papers to the Beaton Institute of Cape Breton University where they are now archived digitally for all to access.

In recognition of her decades of service, Shirley received the Order of Nova Scotia in 2002 and the Katherine McLennan Award, among others.

Shirley was deeply devoted to family. Years ago, she would drive to Sydney multiple times a day to care for her late parents, Abraham and Bessie. Long before cell phones were available, and when landline calls between Sydney and Glace Bay were considered long distance, Shirley spent hours on the phone daily with her sister, cousins and many friends scattered throughout North America. In her role as 'Aunt Shirley’, she was a constant in the lives of her many nieces and nephews, and their families. Her kitchen table was a gathering place for anyone who wanted to trace their history and connection to Cape Breton and for those who were interested, she was always open to fiercely debate women's roles in modern life. The coffee pot was always on, often accompanied by her unique and delicious chocolate chip cake.

Shirley is survived by her devoted son Mark (Karen Graham). She was predeceased by her husband Joseph and daughter Marta, and her four siblings.

Family and friends are left with many rich memories of Shirley especially her warm inviting smile, inquisitive mind, and the colour blue.

A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, Sept 13 at 1 PM at the Congregation Sons of Israel Cemetery in Glace Bay. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com.