Shirley Ruth Gersten

Shirley Ruth Gersten, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, volunteer, and devoted member of her community, passed away on April 30, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on September 5, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, Shirley lived a life defined by service, compassion, resilience, and deep devotion to family and Jewish community life.

Shirley graduated from Brooklyn College in 1951 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. That same year, she married the love of her life and her high school sweetheart, Jesse Gersten, beginning a marriage that would span 67 years until his passing in 2018. As the wife of a Korean War veteran, Shirley accompanied Jesse to Sasebo, Japan, where she gave birth to their first child, Karen, while living on a U.S. Naval base.

After returning to the United States, Shirley moved with her family to Long Island, NY and gave birth to her second child, Michael. Shirley taught children with learning disabilities in North Bellmore, New York, before relocating with her family to Connecticut. In the 1980s, she began a successful career as a convention and meeting planner for Focus Research Systems, traveling throughout the country organizing conferences and meetings for the growing computer industry.

In 1996, Shirley and Jesse moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona, where she became a pillar of the community through decades of volunteer leadership and service. A dedicated member of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, Shirley served on the Board of Directors for 10 years as Vice President and Membership Chair, edited the congregation bulletin The Spiel, coordinated donations, and helped produce the annual memorial Book of Remembrance.

Shirley devoted countless hours to helping others. She tutored children at Frye Elementary School, volunteered with Neighbors Who Care assisting local residents with healthcare and transportation needs, and faithfully supported veterans through Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619, where she organized monthly brunches. For many years, she also volunteered at the USO Veterans Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, welcoming and assisting traveling service members.

Her devotion to veterans extended most profoundly to her husband Jesse. Following his stroke, Shirley became his full-time caregiver for four years, tirelessly traveling thousands of miles to and from the VA hospital to ensure he received the best possible care. Her strength, loyalty, and love during those years reflected the extraordinary depth of her character.

Shirley also screened films for 18 years for the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival and found joy in tennis, Mah Jongg, reading, and the many friendships she built throughout her life.

She is survived by her loving son, Michael Gersten (Susan); her grandson, Benjamin Gersten (Kevin Mooney); and her brother, Harvey Rothstein (Roberta). She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jesse Gersten, and her daughter, Karen Sternheim.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Tracy Pekrul, Mandy Marchek, and the caring staff and volunteers of Neighbors Who Care for their kindness and support.

Graveside funeral services and burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024.

May her memory be a blessing.