Shirley B. Fischler

Shirley Balter Fischler passed away peacefully on 30 May 2022.

Shirley was the beloved wife and partner of deceased Dr. Abraham ("Abe") Fischler, to whom she was married for 67 years.

Shirley is survived by her children Bruce (Martha), Michael (Anita), and Lori, her grandchildren Kenneth, Danielle (Micheal), and Mikaela, and great-grandchildren J.P. and Ava. In addition, Shirley is survived by her sisters Beverly Stier and Eleanor Sugerman, and brother-in-law Hubert Fischler (Patti), and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Life for Shirley always included friends and involvement in the community and, especially, Nova Southeastern University, where Abe was one of NSU's first faculty members and eventually President and President Emeritus.

Shirley's early years were centered in Brooklyn, New York, where she met Abe over a handball match in Coney Island. Married in 1949, their lifelong partnership was dedicated to family, friends, and community, and thus making the world a better place for all. Shirley and her family moved from New York to Boston to Berkeley and, ultimately, to South Florida. During more than 45 years, Shirley, together with Abe, embraced and enjoyed South Florida as strong supporters of community organizations as well as dedicated theatre goers and sports enthusiasts.

Shirley possessed a lifelong thirst for learning. She graduated from Brooklyn College and became a French and Spanish teacher. Languages and international events remained a keen interest and focus throughout her life, as she enjoyed travels in the US and abroad. Later, Shirley became a member of NSU's Shepard Broad College of Law charter class. Following graduation, she practiced law for many years before retiring. Shirley's vast knowledge, coupled with her remarkable memory and genuine interest in the lives of others, created lively and enlightening conversations greatly enjoyed by family and friends. These qualities also meant Shirley was quite an accomplished player of Jeopardy, bridge, and trivia.



One of Shirley's strongest attributes was her strength and optimism. She inspired many people, particularly girls and women, to pursue lives and careers on their own terms and to never give up. By example, she showed determination in the face of challenges, graciousness when sharing her thoughts with others, and endless curiosity and capacity to delight in new ideas and experiences. Shirley impacted the lives of people of all ages and all walks of life. She valued and cared about each individual with whom she came into contact and enriched their lives as well as the community and world around her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Abraham and Shirley Fischler Scholarship Fund at Nova Southeastern University or the Fischler Family Scholarship Fund at the NSU Shepard Broad College of Law, or to a charity of your choice.

Funeral services and internment will be private. For virtual access via Zoom, information is available on the Obituaries page at the website of Alexander-Levitt: https://www.alexander-levittfunerals.com .