April 27, 1927 - April 6, 2018 Shandy (Shirley) Small, April 27, 1927 - April 6, 2018. With heartfelt sadness, we share that our beloved Shandy has passed away. Born in Detroit and a graduate of UCLA, she met her loving husband Mel in the music department in 1947. Shandy had a career as a teacher before devoting herself to raising her large family. She was a lifelong, active Hadassah member and an avid reader, belonging to two book clubs. She loved playing the cello, and enjoyed the symphony and opera, a passion she shared with her one-and-only Mel, who affectionately thought of her as his "American Beauty." She was cherished as a mother, remembered for making our home a warm and welcoming place, and was always present for her family, taking her children to their myriad activities, and participating actively in their schools. She was everyone's special lady, greeting all with a radiant and beautiful smile that caused all to smile back. As a stone causes water to ripple, so was the flowing gentleness with which our beautiful Shandy lived her life. She was devoted to her entire family, including her five children, their spouses, her 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her love extended to her nieces and nephews and their children, as well as to her many friends. Honored as a Woman of the Year by Ariel Hadassah, she was a Woman of Valor indeed! Shandy and Mel's marriage of 68 years and two years of courting were filled with true love and endless devotion. The two of them had the blessing of growing older together, believing that each day was a special gift. Shandy's caring nature, her empathetic spirit, and her demonstrative love were but a part of the legacy she shared with us. Rest in peace our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ariel Hadassah or your favorite charity. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 1 pm at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 W. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles. The immediate family of loving husband Mel, children, Jenny (Ivan), Carrie (Alan), Jason (Linda), Noah (Cindi), Hillarie (Tom), 17 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren are grateful to her for everyday she was with us.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Apr. 8, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Small

16 Entries

Ceci & Gordon Talsky

April 2, 2024

Always in our hearts. We will remember her an Mel forever. It is sad that we only had them in our lives for such a short time However, we are blessed to have had them for the time we had. Miss her and Mel both

Shirlee Dresser

April 11, 2018

I would like to extend my very sincere condolences and warm thoughts to Mel and all the family. I have such wonderful memories of our happy times with Shandy and Mel. Her smile,her sweetness,her kindness were all part of our wonderful Shandy. We met when our daughters started kindergarten together. They were friends and Shandy and I continued through the years with our husbands. We shared the time we were building our houses. Thank you Shandy for the love and friendship we shared.

Shea Rosenberg

April 10, 2018

Jenny, You are so special, we know your mother was a great lady. We are sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you and your entire wonderful family. Love, Shea and Jeff Rosenberg and family

lynne burke

April 10, 2018

Deepest sympathies to the Small & Venook Families,
Lynne & David Burke

Kevin & Jackie Howard

April 10, 2018

Please accept our deepest sympathy.

With love,

Kevin, Jackie, Savanna, & Spencer Howard

Ceci & Gordon Talsky

April 9, 2018

For the short time we New Shirley ( her and MEL came to us as an extended family) we fell in love with her. She was such a happy lady. Always so much fun to be around. We will miss her dearly. Our hearts go out to Mel as we know how devoted they were to each other.

With a sad heart our love goes out to the whole Small family.

Love always,
Ceci & Gordon Talsky

Cheryl Van Tassel

April 8, 2018

It is with great sadness to hear of Shandy's passing. She was a dear, sweet soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you ALL in the days and weeks to come. Sending our love to your family Jason and Linda.

phyllis folb

April 8, 2018

My mother and I met Shirley (Shandy) on the same day as I met her daughter, Carrie, my very first school friend, in kinder garden at Burnside Elementary school. Both mothers and daughters started a life long friendship. Although the Smalls moved and we didn't see each other as often the friendship endured. My mother was a widow and in those days a woman alone was not always welcomed, but Shandy always made my mother feel like she was a treasured friend. Because of that I loved going to Carrie's house with lots of brothers and sister's and a Dad that sang his hello. It was clear this was a loving family and I felt loved myself just being around them. Shandy's beautiful amazing presence created a house full of warmth for her own family and those of us who were lucky enough to bask in her glow. I always drew tremendous comfort just knowing she was around. Now I will reap comfort from all our beautiful memories and hope that family does the same.

With love and warmth to the whole family.
Phyllis Folb

American Cancer Fund

April 8, 2018

The staff of the American Cancer Fund® at www.AmericanCancerFund.org is sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. We have received a memorial donation in her name and our sincere condolences go out to her family.

Shirley Endlich

April 8, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Susan OConnor

April 8, 2018

Sad for all the Small family as you confront the inevitability of life's impermanence. Shandy let go of life completely conscious that she was loved deeply and unconditionally. I will be grateful that she was as I mourn that she is no more. She leaves an amazing legacy!!

Cynthia Oliver

April 8, 2018

May she rest in eternal peace.

April 8, 2018

The distance in miles didn't prevent our family from loving aunt Shandy. She was very special and will be missed dearly.
Love,
Barbara and stan Bershad and family

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