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Shirley Greenberger Obituary

Shirley Greenberger, 102

GRAND ISLAND - Shirley Jane (Spar) Greenberger, a longtime Grand Island resident, passed away September 18, 2023, in Chicago. She was 102.

A memorial service in Grand Island will be scheduled in the spring.

She was born on August 16, 1921, to Solomon and Sara (Kantorovich) Spar in Omaha.

As a child of the Depression, Shirley earned money by designing and making prom dresses for the older high school girls. This began her journey as a resourceful, independent and artistic woman.

After high school, in 1941, Shirley began a courtship of Bernard (Bernie) Greenberger. They were married in May of 1943, just before he shipped out to serve in World War II.

After Bernie's discharge, the couple moved to Los Angeles for a short time before Bernie accepted a job back in Grand Island. In addition to raising. four boys, Shirley broadened her interests to include fishing, camping, golf, bowling, and cheering the Cornhuskers. She worked closely with Bernie at the Vogue and Wardrobe, two women's clothing stores that were staples of a thriving Third Street retail strip. She often hosted fashion shows featuring local Grand Island women.

She was an avid reader, lifelong learner, and an accomplished artist. As a longtime member of the Grand Island Sketch Club, many of her pieces were exhibited for the community. She was active in the Nebraska Humanities Council, and in the Grand Island Little Theater. She was a tireless volunteer for many organizations.

After Bernie died in 1993, Shirley moved to Northfield, IL, and Chicago to be closer to family. There, she was able to indulge her love of art and theater and continue her life of volunteering.

She is survived by her sons, John (Mary Jardin), Jeff (Madelyn), Dan (Beth) and Matt (Julie Rand); grandchildren Andrew, Zach, Sara, Elliot, Lucas, Maggie, Ivy, Nate and Eden; great grandchildren Ava, Isaiah, Ryder, Bennie, Beck, Theo and Sutton.

She is predeceased by her husband Bernie, her parents, and siblings, Sophia, Bess, Art, Esther and Rae.

Memorials can be made to Humanities Nebraska, The Selfhelp Home Chicago or the Hebrew Immigrants Aid Society (HIAS)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Grand Island Independent on Oct. 6, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Greenberger

8 Entries

Becky Hagenmaster

September 30, 2025

Dear Jeff and family,
Thinking of you at this time.
What a wonderful long life she lived and I am thinking close to you.

Nancy Patt Petersen

March 1, 2024

I met Shirley in 1995, as she was a volunteer for the medical library at Highland Park Hospital and I started work there. She was very dedicated. She came in at least once a week, and we had a lot of fun, and became friends over my 9-year career there!
When I moved to Palm Springs, CA I was able to see her during the "season", as she came to visit her family, who ran the Plaza Theater. She would take me out to lunch.
I think of her often; she played a considerable part in my life.
I am very sorry for your loss; may her memory be for a blessing.

Gloria (Campos) Johnson

October 16, 2023

Dear Greenberger Boys
I used to work for your father at the Vogue your mother and father treated me with respect at all times. Your mother still made gifts for me after I married and left the Vouge. I am so sorry to read of her passing. She led a good life. I just found the obituary today. My prayers are with you and yours. My deepest condolences.

Fred Rauch

October 16, 2023

So sorry for your loss. I will always remember her kindness and strength.

Adrienne

October 10, 2023

I never met Shirley but would like to thank her for raising an incredible human, her son Matt. Rest easy Shirley, you deserve it.

Bob and Laurie Wenger

October 9, 2023

I always felt welcomed into the Greenberger household.Hanging out with Dan
was as comfortable as being in my own house. We are sorry for your loss. Bob and Laurie Wenger.

Sandra Kully Freed

October 8, 2023

Dear Greenberger Boys,
I just learned today that your mother has passed away. I am Sandra Kully Freed; my grandfather,Max, came to the U.S. with your grandfather, Sam. I was a baby-sitter for John and Jeff before I went to GIHS. I would like to write a more personal note to you with my memories of your intelligent, wonderfully talented mother. Would you be willing to send an email address to me ? Thanks.
Sandra [email protected] 1301 South 101 St., apt.113,
Omaha,NE 68124

Becky Hagenmaster

October 7, 2023

Dear Jeff and family,
Thinking of you at this time. Your mother seemed to be very interesting and lived a good life.My Best to You and Yours, Jeff

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

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