Shirley Greenberg Desnick

Shirley Greenberg Desnick, 95, passed away in her sleep on September 3. Shirley was born in Minneapolis, graduating from North High, and then the U of MN in 1944. Following 2 years of war time service, she returned home to marry, raise her family and pursue her lifelong career encouraging dignity, music and laughter for the elders of the Mpls Jewish community. She worked at the Emanuel Cohen JCC as director of the Golden Agers for 25 yrs., than 20 years as a nursing home administrator earning the respect and appreciation of residents, families and staff. She and Mandel were among the founders of Bnai Abraham, ultimately returning to Beth El where they participated in study, services and Shirley’s Bat Mitzvah at the age of 85. She was on the Board of the Jewish Community Housing Corp. from 1970-1985, and the Board of Directors of Knollwood Place, Sholom Alliance, retiring in 2004. In her final career, Shirley became an exercise teacher extrordinaire at Knollwood Place, teaching exercise classes in English, Yiddish and Russian and always with her trademark smile. In 2012, at 88, Shirley took a fall resulting in her own move to Roitenberg where she lived out her final days. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Barney and Gittel Greenberg, her very dear husband Mandel, and six siblings. She is survived by her twin sister Perle Flamm, daughters Rochelle (Rob) Jaffe, Laurel (Jim Baerg), Julie and Beth as well as grandchildren Anna (Adam), Rye (Adrienne), Noah, Nastia and Larisa along with 5 great grandchildren. Gratitude to Shirley's niece Surrie Desnick a very special friend, who infused the Jewish spirit into her surroundings in her final years. Thanks also to the staff at Roitenberg Assisted Living who cared for Shirley with love and tenderness in her final days. Funeral service 3:00 PM TUESDAY Sept 4th at UNITED HEBREW BROTHERHOOD CEMETERY, 2605 West 70 1/2 St, Richfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to charity of donor's choice. SHIVA, Tuesday 7:00 p.m. at Roitenberg Assisted Living, 3610 Phillips Parkway, St. Louis Park.