Hazel Lee Shonberger

Hazel Lee Shonberger, of Surfside, Fl., passed away peacefully after a short illness at the age of 103. Born in Manhattan, NY to Mary Marcus and Isaac Horowitz, she moved to Florida in the 1950s and became a fixture in the Surfside community.

Known as "Miss Lee - The Girl with a Thousand and One Songs", Lee worked as a professional vocalist from age 18 to age 98, performing everywhere from clubs to community events to nursing homes, only stopping her professional performances in the face of the global pandemic. She continued to sing daily.

Lee led a bold, independent, adventurous life. In addition to working as a performer, she worked as a machinist in the war effort for WWII. She was a keen businesswoman, having owned two bar-and-lounges in the Miami area and invested in real estate and stock. She was an avid traveler, visiting six continents and dozens of countries. She had a passion for swimming, playing poker, and rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy.

Lee is survived by her son, M. Frank Shonberger, daughter Stephanie Symons; grandchildren Laury Blanco, Lisa Aumann (Scott), Karen Minnis (Charles), Sarah Shonberger, John Symons (Jodi), and Jennifer Orosz (Paul); great-grandchildren Maxwell and Samuel Minnis; Gregory and Lindsey Aumann; Sydney and Jacob Blanco; Melissa and Russell Orosz; Violette, Scarlett, and Olive Paradis; and Noah Symons; long-time caregivers and friends Rosa Menendez Tornes and Nicole Mederos; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Lee is preceded in death by her husband Samuel Shonberger, sisters Elsie Belsky and Roslyn Bromberg, son-in-law John Symons, and daughter-in-law Yvonne Shonberger.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.