Shirley Zeffren, May 4, 2024
Daughter of the late Ben (Dov Ber HaCohen) and the late Sylvia (Chaya Tzivia) Fredman; Wife of the late Ted Zeffren; Mother of Michael (Karen) Zeffren, Murray (Ahoova) Zeffren, Shana (Simcha Polsky), and Esther (David) Schnaidman; Grandmother of Yehuda (Devorah) Zeffren, Levi (Alyssa) Zeffren, Yaakov (Avital) Zeffren, Aharon Zeffren, Yaakov Yisroel Zeffren, Leah Zeffren, Zevulun (Yael) Zeffren, Eliezer (Yehudis) Polsky, Rivka (Hershel) Kleinman, Zevie (Adeena) Polsky, Miriam (Yossi) Schultz, Shoshanna (Jason) Silberman, Ephraim (Rivka) Schnaidman, and Chanan Schnaidman; Great-grandmother of Akiva Zeffren, Kayla Zeffren, Daniel Zeffren, Ozzie Zeffren, Keira Zeffren, Elan Zeffren, Nava Zeffren, Penina Zeffren, Aaron Zeffren, Johnny Zeffren, Teddy Zeffren, Yisroel Nachum Polsky, Shira Polsky, Chananel Polsky, Chaim Tzvi Polsky, Atara Polsky, Yisrael Zev Kleinman, Shifra Kleinman, Dovi Kleinman, Sari Polsky, Akiva Polsky, Tanchum Polsky, Neema Polsky, Meira Polsky, Yitzchak Schultz, Tanchum Schultz, Kobi Schultz, Yoav Silberman, Matan Silberman, Yael Schnaidman, Tanchum Schnaidman, and Zahava Schnaidman.
Shirley was born is Belleville, IL in 1930 and grew up in Peoria. She moved to St. Louis during college and met the love of her life, Ted Zeffren, with whom she was married to for over 61 years. She attended Washington University and was in the 2nd graduating class of the newly minted Occupational Therapy program. She proudly worked as an OT for 47 years, working in both private and public facilities, rehabilitating both children and adults overcoming physical challenges. In addition to her work, she was very committed to volunteering in H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy and the Young Israel of St. Louis’s Women’s Division.
Following her retirement, she continued her life-long love of learning. She attended weekly classes at the Young Israel Synagogue, in Chumash and Jewish Law. She took up piano lessons in her mid-60’s fulfilling her childhood dream of playing piano. She was an avid reader, especially enjoying mysteries and non-fiction titles, further expanding her knowledge base. She attended OASIS, adult education classes, where she enjoyed the discussion about world politics. She joined her husband for many RAMS and other sports games. She also enjoyed sewing and knitting various items for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ever, the care-giver, she will be remembered for her warm wit and her selflessness nature, her devotion to her family and Judaism.
Funeral Service Monday, May 6th at 4:30 PM at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Boulevard. Interment follows at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 7550 Olive Boulevard. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream and other information.
