Shirley Berlin

Shirley Berlin VIRGINIA BEACH - Shirley Frances Yavner Berlin, 88, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010, at her home in The Terrace at Beth Sholom Village, Virginia Beach. She was born July 12, 1922 in South Norfolk, Virginia, the daughter of the late Robert Simon Yavner and Bessie Glasser Yavner. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Phillip Berlin, to whom she was married for 53 years. Together, they lived for 45 years in the Roland Park section of Norfolk. Shirley was also preceded in death by a loving son-in-law, William E. Owens. Shirley is survived by three children, Arlene Berlin Owens, Judy Berlin Shelly and her husband Bill, and Steven Robert Berlin and his wife Kathy; and a brother, Jerome Yavner and his wife Sonya. Survivors also include six grandchildren, Holly Mattingly, Michael Sandler, Jeffrey Berlin, David Shelly, Leanne Shelly and Rebecca Berlin; and three great-grandchildren. Shirley was the third of six children. In addition to her brother Jerome, her siblings were a sister, Sadye Silverman; and brothers, Berry Yavner, Stanley Yavner and Alvin Yavner. She learned early in life the joys and responsibilities of family, and practiced these lessons throughout her life with utmost grace. Shirley and Phillip were founding members of Temple Israel. Shirley was also a member of Hadassah, the Hebrew Ladies Charity Organization, and the Beth Sholom Ladies Auxiliary. She also volunteered at Beth Sholom Village. Her passion was playing Mah-jongg, which she did until her death. She was a true lady in every sense of the word. The family thanks the staff of Beth Sholom Village, as well as Dr. Samuel Wittenburg, the nurses and aides from Medi Hospice, and the private aides who all lovingly cared for Shirley in her final years and especially through her final days. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Beth Sholom Village, 6401 Auburn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. A graveside service will be conducted today, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Granby Street, Norfolk by Rabbi Michael E. Panitz and Cantor Elihu J. Flax. The family will sit shiva Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. as well as Sunday afternoon and evening, with a minyon service at 7 p.m. Sunday. The address is 2829 Croix Court, Virginia Beach. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, is handling arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com.