Shirley Berdie

February 2, 1925 - November 24, 2018

Shirley Sher Berdie, 93, formerly of Duluth, Minnesota and Asheville, North Carolina died on November 24th in St. Paul. Shirley was preceded in death by husband, John; parents, Joe & Pearl (Siegal) Sher; brother, Alvin (Rona) Sher; and sister-in-law, Shelby Sher. Survived by her brother, Gerald; children, Mitchell (Stephanie), Craig (Sharon Christensen) and Reine Shiffman (Sam); grandchildren, Ian, Anne (Marco Volcker), Jessie (Joe Bergman), Lisa and Joel; great-grandchildren, Jose and Pablo Volcker, Eliana Bergman and many loving nieces and nephews. Shirley was born on February 2nd, 1925. Raised in Duluth, Shirley spent many summers with her mother’s family in Birmingham, AL. After graduating from Central High School, she moved to Minneapolis. Shirley returned to Duluth and married John Berdie in 1946. Together they raised three children. Shirley was a consummate volunteer, honoring her Jewish tradition of making the world a better place. She led the Duluth Section of the Council of Jewish Women in the 1950s and was active in the League of Women Voters, serving as its chair from 1963-65. She also appeared with the Duluth Playhouse in several productions. In 1961 Shirley returned to college, earning her certification to teach elementary education. She taught in the Duluth School System for 20 years before retiring to Asheville with John. In Asheville Shirley remained active, volunteering for many organizations, and once again serving as local president of the League of Women Voters. As a testament to her many endeavors, she was nominated as Woman of the Year within a short time of arriving in Asheville. In her leisure time Shirley enjoyed taking classes at the College for Senior’s, participating in theater readings, entertaining friends and visiting family, swimming at the Grove Park Inn, and occasionally hitting the links. Memorial service will be held 2pm TUESDAY, November 27TH, 2018 at MOUNT ZION TEMPLE, 1300 Summit Avenue, St Paul, MN 55105. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to League of Women Voters or donor’s favorite charity. SHIVA 7PM Tuesday at Reine’s home. A second gathering will be held on Sunday, December 2nd, location and time to be announced.