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Shirley Berens died from cancer at her home in Alta Loma, CA, on August 25, 2015 with her husband and immediate family by her side. She was 72 years old.
Shirley was born on October 29, 1942 in Long Beach, California to Harry and Pearl Westhal. The family moved to Fontana, California in 1946 where Shirley grew up and attended local schools. She graduated from UCLA in 1964. She was an elementary school teacher for 33 years, most of which were spent in the Alta Loma School District. She was a caring and dedicated educator who was respected and admired by her co-workers, parents, and students alike.
Shirley married her husband, Jack, in 1963, eight years after they met in Fontana at a Jewish Youth Group. They lived in Alta Loma for the past 49 years. Her favorite activities were reading, crossword puzzles, playing scrabble, watching jeopardy, attending art performances, gardening, going to the movies, and traveling. She loved playing the cello as a member of the Claremont Symphony Orchestra. She was an active supporter of the Hadassah Medical Organization, and after retiring served as a Volunteer at San Antonio Community Hospital. She was a strong believer in charity. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a kind, gracious and warm person who was always concerned about the feelings of others. She made many friends, all of who loved, admired, and respected her. She will be missed greatly.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Jack, their son, Dan, his wife, Michelle, two grandchildren Emma and Jack E., her brother, Fred Tal, several cousins, nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to your favorite charity, or to Hadassah Medical Organization either via their website at www.hadassah.org or by mail to 40 Wall St. P.O. Box 1100, New York, NY 10268-1100, or call 1-800-928-0685. Please make reference to "Sharon Group".
Graveside services will be held on Thursday August 27, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., at Home of Peace Memorial Park, 4334 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. A reception will follow the burial services at 1:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 3033 North Towne Ave., Pomona, CA
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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I was just remembering today what an impact my Kindergarten teacher had on me. Mrs. Berens was my teacher decades ago at Evan's Elementary. Wonderful lady.
Suzan (Burke)
March 5, 2022
The world is a better place as result Shirley's loving kindness, generosity and commitment to young people. Thank you, Shirley, for sharing your gifts with all of us.
Dee Gerken
August 30, 2015
Dear Berens Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Words of comfort are difficult at this time and so these words from the Holy Scriptures give us hope "The righteous will possess the earth and they will live forever on it" Paslms 37:29. Sincerely, MR
August 29, 2015
Shirley was indeed, one of the sweetest women I have ever known. It was a GREAT pleasure to to have known her and laugh with her at Carnelian School in the good ole days!!!! May you rest in PEACE, Shirley.
Ellie Peoples
August 28, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I am so sorry for your loss. Shirley was a sweet & funny lady. I have such fond memories of her.
Deborah & Jim Nicol
August 28, 2015
I was in the same school building in 1947 which had two kindergarten classes. Shirley was in the other class. We were both a part of Temple Israel in Fontana, and the same high school known as FOHI. We were in a youth group during high school that was connected to the temple. She was very sweet and friendly. She occasionally wrote cards to me and I regret that we rarely visited. I wish I had heard her perform on the cello. I'm glad that I knew her. The world needs more people like Shirley.
Gary Epstein
August 27, 2015
Mrs. Berens was my first grade teacher and to this day I know how important she was to helping me become the person I am today. I look back at my love of learning and know it started with her! She will be missed and remembered always!
Lisa Ely
August 27, 2015
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