Shulamith Salem

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - Shulamith Salem, 85, died June 11, 2010, in Pinellas Park, Fla., after an extended illness.

Shulamith was born in Israel on October 6, 1924, the daughter of Jacob and Pnina Rehavia. In 1947, she moved to West Lafayette, Ind., and married Samuel Salem. They moved to Akron, Ohio, in 1951.

Shulamith was a talented musician, artist and writer. She displayed her works at art shows in the U.S. and Israel, published poetry in the U.S. and children's books in Israel. She was writing since her childhood years and throughout her life. Shulamith completed over 100 books.

She was born into a pioneering family whose parents immigrated to Palestine in 1917. Her parents were born in the Soviet Union. In 1939, her father was knighted by Sir Harold McMichael on behalf of King George VI of England for his services to the British Empire and Palestine. His ceremonies took place in Jerusalem, Israel. On her mother's side, she was a fourth-generation descendent to Shalom Yakov Abramowitz, best known as "Mendele the Bookseller," who is revered as the grandfather of Yiddish literature.

In 1990, Shula was awarded a commendation by the Ohio Legislature for her contributions to revisions of the Ohio divorce code and helped get amended Substitute House Bill #514, which became effective in the U.S. January 1, 1991. In 1996, Shula was filmed as herself in a documentary, "Gekan: A Life of 3 Artists," directed by Angela Leket.

She is survived by three sons, Michael I. Salem of Rutland, Vt., Ronald E. Salem of Santa Ana, Calif., (partner Jason Nguyen), and Jonathan D. Salem of Tampa, Fla., (wife Angela). Jonathan and Angela have two daughters, Abigail Rachelle and Gavriella Rebecca.
The graveside service and burial were held in Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, Fla. Rabbi Victoria Ben-Toviya of Florida Suncoast Woodside Hospice conducted the ceremony.

Donations may be made in Shulamith's memory to the Rutland Jewish Center, 96 Grove St., Rutland, VT 05701.

Guest book at davidcgross.com.