Miriam Shultz

Mrs. Miriam (Paul) Shultz, age 102, a longtime resident of Revere, entered into rest on May 25, 2022. Miriam was born to the late Harry and Anna (Escovitz) Paul. She was the beloved wife of Maurice Shultz, with whom she shared 40 years of marriage.

Well-loved by her family, Miriam was the second oldest of four sisters, Gertrude (Gertie) Nadler, Beatrice (Beatie) Packer, and Eleanor (Ettie) Lilly. She is survived by her younger brother, Jackson (Jackie) Paul (Linda Rosenfield) of Salem, and several nieces and nephews Harriet Nadler, William Nadler, Mara (Tim) Reiss, Howard (Donna) Lily, Beverly Beavers (Ted), Brenda (Jim) Richardella, Gary (Tracy) Paul and the late Lynda (Russell) Holden. She was also a loving Great Aunt.

For many years, Miriam was an active member of Congregation Ahavas Sholom in Saugus and Congregation Tifereth Israel of Revere and both of their sisterhoods. At 100 years of age, when asked to tell about her life, Miriam said, without any hesitation, “I was born in Chelsea on November 22, 1919. I grew up in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1937. After high school I went to work for my father in his millinery factory. I learned how to trim hats and also did bookkeeping. I liked it. I really wanted to go to nursing school but my father objected. He wanted me to work for one of his clients as a salesgirl but it didn’t materialize so I stayed with my father in his factory. I was his “all around girl!” One day, my girlfriend and I went to a dance at a hotel at a beachside. They were having a grand dance. Ruthie Markel and I went. Murray was there with another fellow I knew. He introduced me to Murray. We started to date. He took me around to meet his stepmother and cousins. We got married after about a year on a Sunday afternoon at the Dorchester Plaza. I think I was 27 years old.

It was hard to find an apartment right after the War so we rented a room in a woman’s house. She taught me how to cook. My father passed away around that time.

Murray first worked in a shoe factory as an office manager. Then he decided to open a retail store. He called it, Murray’s Shoe Outlet. It was a very popular store in Revere. I worked in the store alongside with Murray. People stood on line (on Saturdays only) to get in. We had to hire a policeman to keep control as we could only allow a few people in the store at a time. It was a small store and people respected what the policeman said. When Murray got sick, my sister Gert and I ran the store. It was sold before he passed away.

Murray and I lived in a house on Florence Avenue for thirty years. Then I moved to Malden Street where I lived for seventeen years. Now I live in Brooksby Village. I feel safe here. I say “hello” to everyone and try to be friendly.

I was the second child in my family. I had one older sister, Gertie, and three younger sisters and one younger brother. I was always in touch with everyone. I spoke with my younger sisters once a day and my older sister several times a day. When Gert had her children I stayed with her for two weeks to help her out.

I had an active life with Murray. We liked going out and having a good time. We used to go to the “Cap and Whip” club at the track, the movies and out to see a play. We were friendly with another couple and were always on the go. I was always capable of being independent. I could do things for myself. I’m not afraid—

I like people and I think people like me. I always like to help people and have a soft heart (for my family especially). I’ve learned in my life that the best way to be is good to all members of my family. Murray was a very generous man and they knew they could always count on us. They always paid us back. I always believed that if money can help, then that’s what it’s for!

The two men in my life are my brother Jackie who is a “jolly good man” and my nephew Billy and his sister Harriet. Linda is a special lady too. I know my family is there if I need them."

Miriam made the decision to move to independent living at Brooksby Village at the age of 96 where she made many new friends and “felt safe”. Residents always stopped by to say hello. Although legally blind, Miriam had a fabulous memory and could remember voices with names and where everything was placed. Many never realized that Miriam was visually challenged.

Miriam’s family will be forever grateful to her caregiver Ana Moran who came into Miriam’s life while living independently at Brooksby. Although Miriam was initially resistant to each of the new accommodations and modifications brilliantly created by Ana to help Miriam with her visual and mobility challenges, Miriam gradually and then willingly learned what was helpful to her and with the wonderful work of additional TEAM members Roberta Chadis and Madeline Belisle, Miriam was able to live independently until entering Continuing Care at Brooksby Village in January of this year.

Miriam’s family would like to thank the care and kindness given to Miriam by the Brooksby Village staff, Windsor and Greentree waiters and waitress, neighbors and her new friends who all contributed to Miriam’s comfort and sense of belonging while living independently. More recently, thank you to the staff at Continuing Care and Care Dimensions for being there for Miriam and her family when needed.

Rest in peace Miriam. You touched the lives of everyone who met you.