Search by Name
Search by Name
Shirley Handmaker Jaffee, age 80, beloved wife of Richard Jaffee; loving mother of Susan (David), Karen (Thomas), Nancy (William), and Daniel (Heidi); also survived in the hearts of her 14 grandchildren: Jennifer, Michael, Kevin, Jimmy, Nicole, Rebecca, Camille, Jeffrey, Taylor, Elise, Claire, Joey, Jacqueline, and Buddy; loving sister to Stanley (Nancy) and Robert (Phyllis); and missed by many, many more. Shirley's kindness spread joy and happiness to all whom she touched. A 1957 graduate from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a degree in Elementary Education and a BSRN student at Loyola University Chicago, Shirley worked as a 1st grade teacher in Hampton, Virginia. She truly made the world a better place through a life dedicated to her family, community and ecumenical beliefs. Always charitably inclined, Shirley worked with the Chicago Foundation for Education, the Woman's Board of Rush University Medical Center, Clearbrook Center, Bears Care, Foundation Fighting Blindness, and Northwestern Memorial Hospice. She taught English as a Second Language classes and founded Chicagoland's first Girl Scouts of America troop for girls with intellectual and physical disabilities. Shirley was deeply loving of animals and trained her golden retriever Daisy as a service and therapy dog; together they regularly visited elementary schools and assisted living facilities. Private burial services have been held. A celebration of Shirley's life will take place at the Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago on Sunday August 14th at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Chicago Foundation for Education (cfegrants.org 312-670-2323), the Woman's Board of Rush University Medical Center (thewomansboard.org 312-942-6513), or the CLL Global Research Foundation (cllglobal.org). For info: 847-256-5700.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To all family of Shirley Jaffee -- I am Wendy Tucker -- formerly Wendy Tockman, and knew many of you from summers in Michiana. Although it's been many years, I do want each of you to know that I am sad to learn of Shirley's death--she was really one of the sweetest (in the truest sense of the word) people I've ever known. I remember her very well & always enjoyed talking with her. (We also were at Wisconsin, but not same time--still...would talk of our respective experiences). I wish all of you a good 2023.
Wendy Tucker (Tockman)
Friend
December 24, 2022
I just learned of Shirley´s passing and am deeply saddened by the loss of this lovely lady. I have fond memories of Shirley so many years ago when she volunteered in the child life program at what is now Advocate Children´s Hospital in Park Ridge helping patients with their school work. She & Dick also warmly welcomed us to their Michiana home for a summer visit - a memory that lasts to this day every time I am in that area. Her sweet demeanor and kindness will long be remembered.
Linda Bensing
Other
November 14, 2021
My blessings to all of u from Annette stern I roomed with Shirley at the aephi house in Madison wis stood up at her wedding at the standard club in Chicago and graduated from university of Wisconsin in 1957 in education with her I believe at the time Susan her first child was born just happened to think about her tonight send my blessings to all of you love Annette stern
Annette Stern
October 19, 2018
January 6, 2017
Dearest Dick Jaffee and family,
We are saddened upon learning of Shirley's passing. We share our deepest sympathy with you and your family. We have many fond memory about her. She was so sweet, gentle and very caring person.We will be always be grateful for all the love and kindness that she shared with us as friend and neighbor (Lincolnwood). We all will miss her dearly. Please know that our thought are with all the Jaffee family.
In sympathy,
Elly and Claudia (William) Mak Chicago, Illinois
Chrysanti Mak-Gozali and family, Clarendon hills, Illinois
Hetty Budiman, Chicago, Illinois.
Elly Mak
January 6, 2017
Dick and Family,
I was so saddened to learn of Shirley's passing. I share my deepest sympathies with you and all. Shirley was one of my favorites during my time working at Rush University Medical Center. She always had a kind word to share and never left a conversation without asking about the other person. She was a sweet and gentle woman.
Lynne Considine Nieman
August 6, 2016
Ethan and I are so sorry to learn of Shirley's passing. I will miss her dearly, as she will forever be remembered as my second mom. Every time I mix raisins and nuts for my children I think of the times I spent at the Jaffee's house where Ms. Jaffee always had my favorite snack ready to eat. I also remember all of the great times I had with her and the Jaffee's in Michiana. I will be forever grateful for all of the love and kindness that we shared and know I am a better mom and wife because of all that Shirley taught me.
Ethan is also deeply grateful for all that she and Mr. Jaffee have done with their enormous philanthropic work with Rush University/medical school.
Shirley will always live on in the hearts and minds of those that she touched and will forever be in my thoughts.
With love and kisses
Ronda and family
Ronda Tapper
July 31, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. I have many wonderful memories of
Shirley and Daisy coming to our elementary school to listen to the children read.
She was so sweet and kind to all.
Lynne McDonough/ Anna Maria Elementary
Lynne McDonough
July 27, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing.
My best to you and the family.
Judy Alter
July 27, 2016
We are so very sorry to learn of Mrs. Jaffee's passing. We have very fond memories of what a sweet soul she was. On behalf of the Rudy Valenta family we offer our deepest sympathies and prayers to the Jaffee family.
The Valenta Family
Katie Mussio
July 27, 2016
We are so sorry to hear this very sad news of Shirley's passing, Dick and family. Shirley was such a beautiful kind soul. She spoke with such a sweet voice and did so much to help others. In particular, our father Al, who worked for the Oil-Dri Corporation for over 6 decades, always spoke so highly of her as did our mother, Edna. For all of those years our father worked for Oil-Dri, Shirley was always so respectful and kind to both of them. Please know our thoughts are with all of the Jaffee family.
Jerry and Mark Swerdlik
Jerry and Mark Swerdlik
July 27, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Jaffee was a wonderful kind soul. She will be truly missed by all. Toni and Scott Mitchell
July 25, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the family. We are saddened and shocked to hear of the loss of Shirley.
Harry and Kathy Sorensen
July 25, 2016
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Shirley. Though small in stature, she was a giant of a person. Our loving thoughts are with you.
Jill & Joel
Jill& Joel Miller
July 24, 2016
My most deapest sympathy to the family i am so deaply sorry for your lost. Mrs. Jaffee was a wonderful,kind caring and very loving person,mom,friend,Grandmother and to anyone she meant. I have fond memories of Mrs. Jaffee. Anything i can say or do to help the family at this most difficult time please let me.
Love,
Tracy Little O'Toole
July 24, 2016
To all of the dear family,
I am so very loss for the passing of sweet wonderful Shirley. She was always one of my favorite cousins. I know the sadness in your hearts and I send all a big hug and much love.
With much Love,
Susie Cohen
Susie Cohen
July 24, 2016
Sorry for the loss of your love one. Matthew 5:4.
July 23, 2016
To Shirley Jaffee family, With deepest condolences, may the love of family and friends help each other through this difficult time. "Draw close to God and he will draw close to you."
EL
July 23, 2016
Dear Dick, and Family,
I was saddened to learn of Shirley's death. Anything I can say or do at a time like this will be of little comfort. I will miss her smiling face. You have my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely, Liz Stiffel
Liz Stiffel
July 22, 2016
Sue,
To you and the rest of your family my deepest sympathy's. It is always difficult to lose a loved one and know that my thoughts are with you.
Linda Gallagher
July 22, 2016
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more