Shirley (Reder) Aprison

It is with deep regret we inform you of the recent passing of Shirley Aprison, loving wife to the late Morris H. Aprison for 58 years. She was the proud mother of Barry (Erin) and Bob (Mary Kay) and adoring grandmother to Margaret, Nathan, Evan (Jess Pollmeier) and Jenny (Tyler Jansky).

Shirley was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Jack and Helen Reder on April 27, 1927. In 1949 she graduated from Milwaukee State Teachers College with a BS degree in education and a minor in biology. That same year she married her beloved Morrie. Shirley taught 1st grade at the Nicholas School in Madison Wisconsin for two years. After moving to Indianapolis she taught students in the nursery school at the Jewish Community Center. During that same time period, she was a substitute teacher in the Indianapolis Public School system. Then after receiving her MS degree in education from Butler University in 1971, Shirley was hired to teach 1st and 2nd grade classes at School 86 in Indianapolis. From 1971 to 1989 her instruction at School 86 positively impacted over 500 students. Many of them enjoyed Shirley’s excellent lessons, encouragement, and guidance. She frequently became one of the students’ most favorite teachers.

Shirley led an exemplary life of parenting, teaching, mentoring, donating, and volunteering. She was selfless beyond measure, had an uncompromising heart, made time for everyone, taught young people, and positively influenced many lives at home, in school, at the synagogue, at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, and in the Indianapolis community. She provided love, support, and caring for her late husband and her sons and their families. In addition, she had daily interactions with members of an extended family, all dear friends in the community.

Shirley’s philanthropic support benefited Indiana University, the University of Wisconsin, Hadassah, Beth-El Zedeck, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, and other groups. Shirley was twice president of the Indianapolis Chapter of Hadassah and held numerous leadership positions on its board. She was president of Hooverwood Guild, a member of the Guild’s Board of Directors, a volunteer docent at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, a member of the Dean’s Council of Indiana University School of Medicine, a member of the Bascom Hill Society of the University of Wisconsin, and a member of Congregation Beth El Zedeck (since 1958) and its Sisterhood. Shirley enjoyed being at shul and worshiping with her friends on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. While living at Kraft Commons in Hooverwood, Shirley appreciated the frequent calls and visits from her family members, colleagues, acquaintances, and well-wishers. Especially during the COVID pandemic.

She is survived by her sons, Barry (Erin), Robert (Mary Kay); and grandchildren, Margaret, Nathan, Evan (Jess Pollmeier) and Jenny (Tyler Jansky).

Private graveside memorial services for Shirley Aprison will be at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck North Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hadassah.