Obituaries

The family of Leslie Shiffman mourns the loss of their beloved mom and grandmother.  Leslie was born in Fresno, California and raised by her parents, Albert and Marian Brown, in both Fresno and Los Angeles.  Leslie is survived by her four children, Susan, Steve (Lucy), David (Rachel) and Tom (Alexandra), and her six grandsons, Andrew, Jake, Christian, Kevin, Luke, and Elliot, all of whom gave her so much joy.  Leslie is also survived by her brother, Doug (Jean) and their children, Dan and Carol.  Leslie was predeceased by her husband, Sydney.

Leslie attended USC and was an active member in Alpha Phi Epsilon sorority, to which she dedicated over 50 years of volunteer service.  Leslie held virtually every national leadership position in the sorority, including serving two terms as National President (1985-1989 and 1999-2003).  As a result of her commitment to the sorority, Leslie twice received the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member.  Leslie loved her sorority and the many lifelong friends she made through her work with its members.  Leslie’s love of sisterhood extended to her residence over the past five years at Fountainview in Playa Del Rey where she enjoyed countless meals and Mah Jongg games with other residents who became her dear friends.

Leslie was an active volunteer in several other Jewish organizations, including holding leadership positions with the Long Beach Jewish Federation, Carmel Hadassah (in which she served as President), and Temple Israel Long Beach.  Although Leslie was active throughout her life in many Jewish organizations, she did not pursue Judaism religiously until late in life, proudly becoming a Bat Mitzvah in her 70s.

Leslie was a fighter, albeit in a quiet, dignified way.  For many years, she beat the odds against her multiple cancer diagnoses, outliving her various prognoses while undergoing many surgeries and treatments.  With similar resolve, Leslie raised her four children by herself, working several jobs to provide for her family.  Leslie’s most cherished job was the 20-plus years she spent working with internationally renowned dress designer James Galanos.  At Galanos, Leslie held several positions of increasing responsibility, the last of which was COO.

Leslie was the best type of mom and grandmother.  She was always available but never meddlesome.  She was fiercely loyal, supporting everyone in her family equally and always with love.  Although she will be dearly missed by her family and those who knew her, Leslie will be happily remembered.  May her memory be a blessing to everyone who knew her.