Iris S. Fishman

Iris Shirley Fishman (nee Katz) of Cleveland passed away peacefully on January 16, 2018. Beloved wiife of the late Dr. Julius Fishman. Devoted mother of Eric B. Fishman (Stephen Snyder) and Judith K. Fishman. Dear sister of the late Abraham (Jean Vendeland) and Sanford Katz. Cherished aunt, sister-in-law and friend.

An active and long time member of Anche Chesed Fairmount Temple, Iris served as the secretary for Rabbis Barnett Brickner and Arthur Lelyveld. Rabbi Brickner’s wife, Rebecca, was a beloved mentor and friend who was also godmother to the Fishman children.

Iris expressed unconditional love for her family and the Cleveland Jewish community through words and music as co-host of “The Jewish Scene” radio program and lyricist for countless productions supporting the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Fairmount Temple Sisterhood and other local organizations.

Along with her long-time friends and partners, Iris co-produced and co-hosted “The Jewish Scene,” a weekly radio magazine featuring music, commentaries, Torah interpretation, Jewish holiday observance, celebrity and newsmaker interviews, Hebrew language lessons and a"bisl" Yiddish. Airing weekly for 20 years on WCLV, “The Jewish Scene” had a large and devoted audience and was the recipient of multiple local and national awards for excellence in broadcasting.

One of the many highlights of Iris’ career included production in 1978 of a musical program, “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: We Are One” which featured 65 students from local Jewish schools in a musical celebration of Cleveland Jewish community’s rich history, vibrant present, and strong future. The show performed at locations around the Cleveland area and introduced student performers and audiences to the love of music, dance and heritage.

Through song and awesomely witty lyrics, Iris celebrated milestone occasions of family, friends and community. To be a recipient of one of Iris’ songs or to witness a performance by the “Singing Seven," (Shirley Chessin, Jane Friedman, Lois Katovsky, Elaine Rembrandt, Sue Sicherman, Eppie Shore, Iris and pianists Nancy Katz and Carol Spero) was a gift to be treasured for a lifetime.

Above all else, Iris treasured Julie, her husband of 53 years, her two children and her family. Iris was a renowned baker and her freezers were always fully stocked with pastries, brownies, and her “world famous” cheesecake. Her home was filled with love, laughter and celebration.

A graduate of John Adams High School, Iris attended the University of Wisconsin before transferring to Flora Stone Mather College of Western Reserve University where she received her Bachelors of Arts degree.

Services will be held Thursday, January 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel 1985 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. Interment will be at Bet Olam Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the residence of J. Fishman, 5693 Sheldon Road in Lyndhurst, Thursday following services until 4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; and 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Jan. 19.

In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute to the Dr. Julius and Iris Fishman Compassionate Caregiver Fund, c/o Menorah Park Foundation. 27100 Cedar Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122.