Shirley Fisher Levenson

She will be missed more than words could ever describe!

Shirley Fisher Levenson, 96, of Seminole, Florida, passed in peace on November 23, 2025, at Freedom Square in Seminole Florida.

Born on December 13, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, to Pauline and Joseph Fish, Shirley was truly part of “the greatest generation.” Shirley was the fourth and youngest daughter born to her eastern European immigrant parents, and she was raised in extreme poverty in the tenements of Brooklyn, NY. At the age of nine years old her father passed away from overwork in the sweatshops of New York, a terrible circumstance to overcome for Shirley and her family. Shirley's mother remarried a few years later, but Shirley and her stepfather did not get along. As a result, Shirley moved to Flint Michigan to be with her older married sister Helen, and where she finished high school at Flint High School. Shirley did not have the resources needed to attend college, so she moved back to New York City where she worked as a bookkeeper in Manhattan. She met the love of her life, World War II veteran Bernard Levenson on July 4th 1950 on the beach at Coney Island. Bernard moved away from New York for a short time but soon realized that he would be crazy to not make a lifetime commitment to Shirley. He came back and on April 8, 1951, she married the love of her life, Bernard Levenson, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage.

Despite being raised under trying circumstances, Shirley exhibited a love of learning that lasted a lifetime and was passed on to her children. Shirley was an avid reader for her entire life and her favorite subject in school was history which she never lost her interest in. Later in life she visited many historic sites worldwide with her “Bernie” on numerous trips and cruises. Most of all Shirley possessed honesty and values that she passed down to her children and which has made them the people they are today. Shirley truly lived by the “Golden Rule”, always treating people with respect and dignity. Never was a discouraging or bad word said about others from her lips. This example was seen and absorbed by her three children who strive to be as good and moral a person as their mom was.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Shirley dedicated her life to creating a warm and loving home. Shirley made sure to provide a safe, clean, and supporting home for her husband and her children. She turned herself into an accomplished cook who always had a delicious meal prepared for the family at 6 o’clock sharp each day. This was all accomplished as she and Bernie overcame the challenges of moving their family from New York City to Oakridge, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia to Fremont, Ohio to Ann Arbor, Michigan to Jackson, Mississippi to Knoxville, TN and then Seminole, FL. If Shirley was raised today, there is no doubt she would have attended college and gone on to a great working career. Later in life when her kids were older, Shirley worked outside of the home in the retail industry, specifically specializing in selling fine China and porcelain. Although she was not religious by nature, Shirley always kept her Jewish faith, supported Israel, and wished for nothing but peace in the world. Her gentle spirit, steady kindness, and quiet strength touched all who knew her. Shirley was the solid concrete foundation of the Levenson family, her spirit will last an eternity, she will be deeply deeply missed by her loving family.

Shirley is survived by her sons Dr. Jeffrey R. Levenson and his wife Dorthea, Bruce A. Levenson and his wife Lucy, and David S. Levenson; and by her beloved grandchildren Ariane Levenson, Jess Levenson, Galil Levenson, Arbel Levenson, Caroline Fiebrandt, and Bethany Reisman.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on December 22, 2025, at Lake Seminole Square.

May she rest in peace and her memory be a blessing by God.