Florence Bryan Shapiro
Florence, aged 91 years, a resident of Carmel Indiana, passed away, on January 18, 2015. Florence, the youngest of three children, was born in New York City to Nathan and Gertrude Bryan Miller. Florence graduated from the high school of Music and Art in New York City where she studied piano. Due to the depression and World War II, Florence worked for three years after high school as a secretary after which she matriculated at City College of New York where she majored in business. She received her Bachelor of Science in 1947.
Florence married Jonas M Shapiro, also of New York City on November 27, 1947 after which the couple moved to Los Angeles California. Florence worked in LA as a social worker until she began her family in 1950. Florence and Jonas relocated to Yonkers New York in 1951 and subsequently to Stamford Connecticut in 1957. Florence was instrumental in bringing a music school from New York, the Bronx School of Music, to The Jewish Community Center in Stamford Connecticut.
In 1973, Florence began her career as a real estate broker and ultimately opened her own agency in 1978. Florence enjoyed her long career as a real estate broker. She enjoyed meeting many people from a wide range of walks of life and had kept in touch with many of her clients who became her friends.
Florence was a member of Congregation Beth El Zedeck where she formed close friendships with congregation members. Florence was lifetime member of Hadassah. She supported national and international Jewish charities as well as charities in Indianapolis.
Florence was preceded in death by her husband Jonas Shapiro; parents Gertrude and Nathan Miller; brother Jay Miller, and sister Edith Sue Miller. She is survived by her children Laura Shapiro of Parker Colorado, Amy Shapiro and husband Mark Holbreich of Indianapolis, and Daniel E Shapiro of Branford Connecticut; grandchildren Matthew, Eric and Rachael Holbreich and Cara Peterson; nieces and nephews.
Florence will be greatly missed and remembered for her wit, intelligence, generosity, kind heart, and love of music. Her smile will be missed. Florence was laid to rest next to her beloved husband of 40 years, Jonas, in Temple Beth El cemetery in Stamford Connecticut on January 21, 2015. Florence's daughter Amy and son-in-law, Mark Holbreich wish to thank her special friends and caregivers for their visits, care, love, friendship and support given over many years that enabled her to live as she wanted.
The family extends special thanks to caregivers Denise Johnson, Lucretia Thurman, Aretha Ealy, Vera Rush, Alysia Gray, Barbara Lewis, Tanisha King, Rachael Phillips, Abby Warren, Jesse Tarver and Jean Davis; also to Dr. Douglass Franke and Judith Rothrock for their kind and compassionate care.