Shirley Siegal

January 21, 1917 - June 8, 2008

MYRTLE BEACH | Shirley Siegal, 91, died Sunday, June 08, 2008 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley Siegal was born January 21, 1917 in New York City, New York, a daughter of the late Samuel and Bessie Oshinky Klemons. After Bessie's death, Samuel then married Mamie Lesser, who lovingly cared for Shirley and her brother from the time she was eleven years old. She grew up on the lower East Side of Manhattan, where she attended local public schools. Shirley graduated from Eastern District High School, then began a business career at Lerner Shops as a window dresser. She married Arthur Siegal October 22, 1938 in New York City. He died in 1994.

In 1940 Shirley and Arthur moved to New Jersey, where they raised their three children. She was always very involved in civic community religious and volunteer work in New Jersey, and later in South Carolina. Shirley came to Marion in 1963 when her husband, Arthur, relocated the Marvel Lamp Company. She was an active member of her community, including Temple Beth Israel in Florence and Temple Emanu-El in Myrtle Beach. More recently she took art classes at the Senior Center Art Class in Myrtle Beach. An avid artist, she produced many fine works which now hang in the homes of her children and grandchildren. She couldn't wait for Thursday every week, and she loved everyone in her art class, and they loved her. She was involved in the Red Hat Society, and was lovingly known as ''Lady Shirley''. All who came in contact with her loved her, and she never knew a stranger.

She was a caring and compassionate mother and a special ''GiGi'' to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include three children, Bruce Siegal and his wife, Connie, of North Myrtle Beach, Gerald Siegal and his wife, Barbara, of New York City, and Rita Siegal Levine and her husband, Lewis, of Myrtle Beach; a brother, Harold Klemons of Charlotte, N.C.; six grandchildren, Adam Siegal (Robin), Chris Siegal (Pat), Courtney Davidson (Adam), Lisa Shrem (Barry), Dana Siegal, and Max Siegal; seven great-grandchildren, Zach, Elyse, Arthur Rabon, Jason, Holland, Mae Margaret, and Eli. She also had a special friend and caregiver, Annie Jean Bellamy. Mercy Hospice was very helpful providing palliative care in the last weeks.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at McMillan-Small Funeral Home in Myrtle Beach with Rabbi Avi Perets officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the Wednesday services. Burial will be held 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2008 in the Jewish Cemetery in Florence with Rabbi Jeffrey Ronald officiating. Following that service there will be a condolence meal at Temple Beth Israel at 316 Park Avenue, Florence.

Please sign a register at msfh.net or at MyrtleBeach Online.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Temple Emanu-El, 405 65th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572; Temple Beth Israel, 316 Park Avenue, Florence, South Carolina 29501; or the Grand Strand Senior Center, 1268 21st Avenue N., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577.

McMillan-Small Funeral Home, (843) 449-3396, is serving the family.