Obituaries

Jaffe, Shirley Weintraub
July 1, 1920 – January 28, 2021

Shirley’s favorite song was My Way by Frank Sinatra. She said she loved that song because it’s how she lived her life – her way! Not only did she live her way, she died her way too. After fighting for every extra minute of the life she so cherished, Shirley left this world peacefully after 100 years, six months, and 27 days.

Shirley Hilda Weintraub was born July 1, 1920 to Leah and Sigmund Weintraub in Brooklyn, N.Y. While she excelled at all she did, Shirley was a most remarkable student who loved to dance, read, and act. She was the first in her family to attend college, graduating Hunter College as its Student Body President at a mere 20 years of age. She visited Miami Beach right after graduation and, having great success at the racetrack, decided to stick around for a bit. Good thing too, because this is where she met her beloved husband, Dorman Jaffe. They married seven months later. By 1943, Shirley and Dorman were living in Los Angeles and soon began their family, welcoming two daughters, Judy and Anne. Shirley became the everything mom, from Brownie and Girl Scout leader, to PTA President, and active member of Temple Beth Am. Always the teacher at heart, she went on to lead her colleagues and counsel beneficiaries at the Social Security Administration, a job she loved. For decades she held leadership positions in Brandeis University National Women’s Committee, including as President of the Los Angeles chapter. Shirley was an original resident of University Village, Thousand Oaks, and immediately became active in all aspects of this vibrant senior living community, starring in many dramatic productions, coordinating numerous off-campus cultural trips, and making many cherished friends among the residents and staff.

The thread that ran through everything Shirley said and did was her positive outlook on life. She has inspired generations of family and friends to see the beauty she always saw in the people and things around her. Those left behind are much better for having known and loved this remarkable woman. Shirley is survived by her devoted daughters, Judy Solish (Frank Bonoff) and Anne Altman; grandchildren Debra Laboschin (Raphael Larson), Laurie Wahler (Sean), Greg Altman (Stacey), and Brad Altman (Rivka); and eight great-grandchildren – Zach, Eli, Dara, Alexis, Andrew, Devon, Grace, and Aria. She is also survived by her sister, Jean Kornbluth, cousin, Ilene (Richard) Berg, and many much-loved nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Dorman, pre-deceased her in 2004.

Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to Brandeis University, c/o Jessica Pearlman, 431 Hillsborough St., Thousand Oaks, CA 91301.