Shelley was always a bright and capable woman, her charisma and intellect propelling her to excel in any venture she set out to accomplish. She was a tenacious young woman throughout her early years in Rockville Centre, Long Island, growing up an only child surrounded by loving family. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she and her life-long spouse George first met. The two quickly fell in love and married on September 3, 1964. They then started a family, eventually relocating to Eilat, Israel, where they raised their children Yossi, Sandy, and Gali. In Eilat, Shelley spent several decades committed to vibrant and enthusiastic civil service. She was a central figure in her Eilat community, cultivating a strong circle of friends and the admiration of her loved ones and peers alike through her hard work and diplomacy. Shelley was a true matriarch and renaissance woman. By the end of her life, her family grew to include Yossi and his wife Karni, Sandy and his wife Ifat, Gali, and her adoring grandchildren, Nicki, Roni, Shawn, Daniel, Jonathan, and Eilat. All will miss her terribly.
Shelley was an inspiration. As a dedicated community member, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and a lifelong champion of the arts, her reputation preceded her. She was unyielding in her pursuit for knowledge and was always larger than life in her great humor, compassion, and fervor. Her mere presence was enough to inspire zeal in those around her, and her zest for life will be her resounding legacy. She will be sorely missed.
Shelley was preceded in death by her dearest George, who passed January 19, 2026. The two spent 62 years happily married and never spent much time apart. Their deep love and devotion endured for the greater parts of both of their lives. They are now reunited again for eternity.
A Graveside Service will be held at IJ Morris at Star of David of the Palm Beaches, 9321 Memorial Park Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33412, on March 31, 2026, at 2:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary; https://buschwildlife.networkforgood.com/projects/74099-program-support
