Rest in Peace Mrs. Shirley

 

Rest in Peace Mrs. Shirley

On the morning of January 28th, as I arrived at St Joseph's Nursing Home, I encountered an ambulance in front of the building—never a good sign!  Once inside I learned one of the residents had just been taken away by medics.  

Sometimes you don’t have the chance to say goodbye . . . 

Rest in peace ✡️ Mrs. Shirley Jean Rosenzweig (07/15/30 - 02/01/25), our most recently deceased resident.

On Tuesday, February 4th, in Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, New Jersey, ✡️ Mrs. Shirley was laid to rest by her family and friends.  

As a chaplain of St. Joe’s, where ✡️ Mrs. Rosenzweig resided, I had the joy and pleasure of meeting with her for a few moments nearly everyday. I loved our conversations and our frequent “interfaith” prayers together. She was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, and I will miss her terribly. Each Saturday I was sure to greet her with the words Shabbat Shalom, and that always brought a broad smile to her face. She always promised me her prayers, and that meant more to me than I can express with just a few words.  

Recently, during each of the eight days of Hanukkah (this year coinciding with Christmas between December 25th and January 2nd), ✡️ Mrs. Shirley allowed me to light the candles on the menorah she had in her nursing home room. 🕎  With the daily lighting of each candle we said special holiday prayers together!  She told me it was a great blessing for her to share her traditional Jewish rituals with me.  I felt quite honored that she allowed me to take a part in her beautiful faith customs!  I knew it meant a lot to her.  And each day when I greeted her with “Happy Hanukkah” she returned the joy by wishing me a “Merry Christmas!”  

You will be missed ✡️ Mrs. Shirley.  May God take you to himself.  Your good deeds go with you! 

Friar Timothy

See ✡️ Mrs. Shirley’s obituary at the following link:

https://www.schoemschapel.com/obituaries/Shirley-Jean-Rosenzweig?obId=35207089