Share Memories of Shirley Siegel
Do you have stories, thoughts, or memories about Shirley? We want to hear them! Please use the form below to submit any anecdotes, memories, recollections, remembrances, reminiscences, observations, thoughts or feelings you have about Shirley that you want to share.
My Aunt Shirley was my dad’s baby sister, and was always a big presence in my life!! From the time I was little, I remember vividly her trips up from LA or when we would visit her, her exuberance, joy of living, her wonderful singing voice and overall happiness in living moments!!! She sang at our wedding and I do remember flying down and staying one on one with her in LA. I loved her deeply and hope she is singing in Heaven with my dad!!!
Thanks for starting things off with such a wonderful memory Sue!
I met Shirley when I was 15 1/2 or 16 years old.
I was an ice cream scooper at Swensen’s Ice Cream in Beverly Hills.
She and her 13 year old son Lewis came in for Ice Cream and she saw my business card “Disco Dance Instructor” on the register.
She wanted someone to help teach her and Lewis dancing prior to his upcoming Bar Mitzvah.
We did and performed and instructed at his party as well.
That moment opened up a profound and momenumental chapter in my life with Shirley.
We segued into a WONDERFUL long partnership together with her custom party entertainment business, Tributes Unlimited of Beverly Hills.
My dance partner, Liz Lewellen and I were her song/dance team who also helped tell the wonderful stories of these honorees lives with “Oscargrams” or “This is Your Life Set to Music.” We also got to meet and work with 2 colleagues who I am still in touch with today:
Musical Directors Gerry Sternbach and Perry Hart.
Incredible memories and so many laughs, travels, FOOD of course–Shirley’s grilled cheese sandwiches, fabulous talent and above all, love.
My Mom Claire Finkel also became one of Shirley’s very close friends and that was another wonderful way to fold Shirley into our fold even more closely.
Liz and I and my Mom were grateful to see Shirley for her 80th Birthday at the Jewish Home in Tarzana.
She is someone who deeply shaped my life and I’m forever grateful for Shirley.
Love to Lewis, Lesley and the entire family.
We will always miss and love her.
Joshua Finkel
I remember that! My Bar Mitzvah wouldn’t have been the same without you and Liz — thank you for sharing these memories Josh!
Here is a wonderful tribute that Josh made for my mom with his performing partner Liz:
https://youtu.be/Vh9wnusIOqs
Thank you Josh and Liz — enjoy everyone!
My dearest aunt Shirley and I had such an amazing bond. She was always there for me, and such a support to me musically as well always being such a loving caring aunt. Shirley’s command of the English language was like no other, and she always made time for me helping proof read my technical writings, in addition to assisting me with the correct way to articulate even in legal technical reports as well. What I remember the most of dearest Shirley is that she always had a huge smile on her face always being such a sweet, loving, caring person. I love you dearest Shirley and will never forget you! Godspeed dear aunt Shirley!
Thank you for your sweet memories of my Mom Howard! I remember how she liked to help you with your writings (and everyone actually!) and especially how she liked to listen to you play the piano!
When my wife Celia was a little girl, Shirl treated her like a daughter, fed here, loved her and gave her her best friend Chick. She was so sweet!
Thank you Eric — I’m glad my Mom could oblige! 🙂
“Hello, my name is Linda.”
This is how I met Shirley on the sidewalk outside our duplex on Wooster St. in Los Angeles when I was 5 years old. Shirley couldn’t help but notice a little blondie in a green bikini playing outside. I remember that green bikini, it had a big gold ring in the front of the top and big gold rings on either side of the bottom. Shirley immediately took me under her wing, invited me up to her duplex and started making me food. She introduced me to my future best friend Lesley and her adorable little brother Lewis. Lesley and I played Jacks on the sidewalk outside and when we were inside we played house and restaurant. Shirley, Lesley and Lewis always had cats. We used to play a game inside called Headache. There were little colored mini-cones in the game and we would put them on Lovers ears and laugh and laugh. One time, Lesley found a $100.00 bill in a magazine. She got to keep it. Another time, there was a big earthquake. Then the Siegel’s moved to Shenandoah. We went to the beach, we drew with chalk on the sidewalk and Shirley always made us food. I remember there was pink Kool-Aid in the fridge and fudgesicles in the freezer. We played monopoly and somehow I ended up owing Lesley a million dollars. In high school Shirley helped us with our essays and made delicious macaroni. I must have slept over at Shirley’s a hundred times. There was a story about grandma Annie slipping on the ice, but we didn’t talk about it in front of Shirley. During the holidays, away from my Christmas tree at home, we spun dreidels and ate Shirley’s homemade latkes. I learned how to light the menorah and sing hebrew songs. Shirley loved to sing. She loved to make everyone she met feel at home and loved. Happy Birthday Shirley! I’m so grateful to you for inviting me into your life. My name is Celia by the way, not Linda. I guess I thought my name was really weird when I was 5 and I didn’t like it so I went by Linda. When Shirley met Nancy, she said ” I just met your daughter Linda”. Nancy said, “Who is Linda?”
Wow — thank you for all those great memories Celia!! I actually remember everything you described, but I hadn’t thought about many of those things for a VERY LONG time!!!
If I remember correctly, when Lesley found the $100 bill, it was when we lived in the duplex on Shenandoah. The Siegel flock lived downstairs, and upstairs was an older couple named “The Lashinsky’s”. We were in their apartment when they were gone — I don’t remember why, maybe we were taking care of a pet? — when Lesley found the money. Do that sound right to you?
Yes, you are correct!
My Cousin Shirley I remember visiting her ever since I was a young child (probably about 3 or 4 years old). . She was always so loving and positive. Always up-beat and always gave me lots of attention when I would come visit. She had a wonderful singing voice and I remember my dad singing songs with her in her Beverly Hills apartment when we would come to visit. I am so glad that we were able to come visit Shirley on her 80th birthday and with my son Jake, my dad, and Pita. Shirley always so fun to be around and was always so full of life! I loved all the stories she would share such as the guy trying to break into her apartment where she told the guy to hang on so she could grab a bat to chase after him. We all miss cousin Shirley and we will forever remember her!
Yes — I remember that night very well! The guy was half-way through the window — he wasn’t expecting my Mom to be in the living room so late at night, and he ran right off as soon as she starting kicking up a racket! I guess she should have been on the Beverly Hills Police Force! 😀 Thank you Arnie!
My parents, Shirley and Marvin were friends before Lewis and I were born. Shirley was a second mother to me growing up. The memories are too numerous to count like when she made the Rambler “dance” by pulsing the gas or singing to EVERYONE wherever she went. Shirley got me through High School by typing my papers and unfortunately there were times I fell asleep dictating to her ?. If my parents had any idea that Lewis and I were riding our 10 speed bicycles through the middle of Beverly Hills at midnight blasting Christopher Cross’s “Ride Like the Wind” they would have killed me. They thought I was just sleeping over and under strict supervision ?. Shirley was an amazing cook, from her Turkey dinners (tons of butter under the skin) down to her Cavenders Chicken Sandwhiches. I will forever miss her and her amazing bubbly personality.
Wow Dave, yes there are so many funny stories with my Mom from when we were kids! We never get tired of telling them, and your daughters (my Goddaughters) roll their eyes every time they hear us tell the same stories over and over. I guess we’re busted now about the midnight bike rides!! XD
Remembering Shirley for her sweet relationship with my uncle Oscar Goldstein n the last years of their lives. He loved Shirley and treated her like a princess. She was kind and generous to him and to our family members. Occasionally she would sing for us. Shirley always had a smile and a hug. her kindness was. for everyone. I miss them both.
Yes, I remember how fond of each other your Uncle and my Mom were, and especially when you took him on a special trip out to see my Mom after she moved to the Jewish Home! My mom kept the calligraphic signs he made for her by hand in her room, even after she moved. Thank you Aileen!
Shirley was my aunt until the day she died even though she was divorced from my late uncle Marvin. Many memorable visits to LA, and them visiting us in San Mateo over the years, and as an adult when I was in LA on business. Shirley always knew the trendiest restaurants, shared her great stories, and housed my friends and I when we visited. When I moved to North Carolina, I changed my name from Smith to Siegel, my mother’s maiden name, so even though I was distanced geographically, I felt even closer to my Siegel family. Her singing and performing helped inspire my own musical career! When I was around 12, I recorded Shirley on my plastic reel-to-reel tape recorder singing “My Ship” written by Kurt Weill. During my final visit with Shirley (see photo), in 2015, we sang together, and although she was a much quieter person by then, when she sang, her beautiful voice rang out as always and her sparkling personality shone through.
Wow, I don’t think I knew about that reel-to-reel recording! Any chance you still have it… ❓ Thank you for sharing Susan!
i wish!
Shirley was a first cousin to me. Her mom Annie and my dad Mier were siblings. Besides her wonderful smile I remember her great singing voice. and her personal energy. At all of our family get togethers we would all sit back and listen to her sing great songs alone and with my dad. I also remember her shtick with presentations of “this is your life”. She did a great one in LA for my parents.
Like her brothers Jack and Milt she was really “one of kind”.
I remember how much my Mom loved your folks Mier and Belle! They were so kind to her and also to Lesley and me. I’ll never forget the days we spent with them and the house where you grew up in Denver — we had a great time! Thank you for sharing these memories Larry.
First, let me commend you Lewis on this amazing site you built. There is a wealth of information here and you must have spent many, many hours on this project. Shirley would most definitely be very proud of you, as well as enjoy perusing through all the heartfelt messages and pictures. Great job!
Shirley was definitely one-of-a-kind. Once you met Shirley you felt special and loved, a spirit you will never forget! I spent many years, hanging at the apartment on Elm Drive where Shirley loved to take care of anyone around. I have fond memories of eating her incredible mac n’ cheese made in that retro 1950’s turquoise stove, or hearing her play the piano and sing or hanging out with Lesley and Lewis and our friends in a home we all felt so comfortable in. She loved entertaining and threw some pretty incredibly decorated birthday parties for her kids. Shirley was extremely kind, thoughtful and generous. She planned me a most-meaningful bridal shower at the cutest, little French bakery on Doheny Dr. in WEHO and of course she became fast friends with the French baker, who then came out and met all the guests. For this event, she crafted beautiful custom invitations, of which I still have today. Then for my wedding celebration, Shirley organized having the biggest cheese platter you have ever seen set up for all my guests. She picked doing this because she knew my parents were French and loved cheese! Shirley loved to love. You have always held a special place in my heart Shirley and always will.
Thank you Natalie, I did work hard on the website — it was a labor of love I guess! I remember all the days you spent with us over at 229 South Elm.
Regarding my mom’s “Famous” Macaroni and Cheese: I think it was basically the recipe from HER mom, my “Gramma Annie.” As I recall our friend Celia (who I suspect will be reading this) therefore coined the term: “Mac-a-Rannie”. I not sure if that’s how you — or Celia — remember it.
Also, I think the French Patisserie on North Doheny was called “La Conversation”, Oui? 😀
My cousin Shirley! What a personality. Shirley was naturally gifted and talented. She was a professional vocalist, with a beautiful voice and never took a singing lesson in her life. She invited me to some of her “gigs” for Tributes Unlimited where I watched her perform. One of her signature songs was “Look at that Face” which she always sang directly looking at the guest of honor which often brought everyone in the room to tears. I liked to say that Shirley was a combination of Fort Dodge, Iowa and Beverly Hills, CA. There was nobody like Shirley! She had such a good heart, a great sense of humor, her laughter, her love of music, the theater, her friends and family, and her generosity. She was not only my cousin but like the “big sister “ that I never had. She will never be gone from our lives as long as she is remembered.
Thank you Judi!
Shirley was my Hollywood mother! Always a voice of encouragement. Introduced me to the acting teacher that changed my life. Got me one of the most fun jobs a starving actor could have in Hollywood driving around a lady from the foreign press getting to go to all the premieres. Met many wonderful people through her. Fun conversations with her . Loved her sense of humor . Many thanks to her daughter Lesley for bringing me home in 1983 to look at her red vinyl 45 of the avengers. Lesley and Lewis will always be very special to me. Thanks for the good times Shirley Lov Kelsey
Thank you Kelsey!
When I think of Shirley, I think of her joie de vivre. Everything for Shirley was a big adventure. Being Shirley’s close friend meant that there was always a surprise around the corner.
One of our favorite activities together was hiking the grueling Loma Vista Road in Beverly Hills every week. Shirley walked everywhere and was always very fit. We also enjoyed going to concerts and musical events together.
Shirley and I became fast friends in 1980. We were both Leos and every year we celebrated our birthdays with another friend of ours. Shirley was part of our family and came to many family get-togethers: Thanksgiving, Hannukah, etc. Shirley’s presence at these events was a treat for everyone and there was always a lot of zaniness and laughter.
We will always remember the happiness Shirley brought to our lives.
Thank you Rita. I know how much your friendship meant to my mom over all those years, and how dedicated you were to each other.
I remember Shirley as a fun-loving, exuberant presence in this world. She had a radiant smile for me every time I saw her. Being a musician and singer myself, I was delighted when I first heard her sing and had the opportunity to sing along with her. Shirley brought a special joy to those who were fortunate enough to know her and hear her lovely voice. This is how I will always remember this dynamic woman.
Thank you Peggy. I remember the day we all went to the Jewish Home to visit Shirley, and how much fun we all had singing together!
When remembering Shirley a smile comes to my face. She is such a loving soul. Full of harmony and music. I know she is shining up in heaven keeping everyone entertained. The last time I saw her she gave us a spontaneous performance of Somewhere over the rainbow. Whenever I hear that song now I hear her harmonizing with it. She was like another mother to me. Oh how I love her. May her memory bring a smile to your face and a song in your heart.
Thank you Corinne, and thank you for your contribution to my Mom’s photo archive! Here is a link to the page where your photo is located:
https://www.posnickfamily.com/shirley-siegel/photos/gallery/page/2
Shirley was like another grandmother to me. She was always warm and inviting bringing sunshine wherever she went. On the hardest of days she made you feel like you were invincible and could get through anything . She could make anyone smile with just a song or a sweet word. She was one of the most brightest people I have gotten to know and her light still shines on to this day in everyone who got to meet her.
Thank you Tiffany! Our family histories go back more than 60 years now: my parents meet your Dad’s parent when they were all newly married, and neighbors, back in 1960! Now I am your Godfather — so the bond between our families carries on with you and your sister Victoria. Thank you for your loving memories of my mother!
All of my memories of Shirley center around smiles and song. I can still feel how special and warm I felt when I got the “this is your life” treatment for my Bat Mitzvah. I felt celebrated and seen and loved. Shirley was all about love and joy.
Thank you Alicia. Did she do the candle lighting ceremony at your Bat Mitzvah? That was one of my Mom’s specialties (among many!)
My husband Sam “Denver” Chazen was Shirley’s first cousin so I was introduced to the loving Posnick family after we married. Since we lived in Florida it was a long distance relationship but a memorable one. Any visit to see Sam’s family in California was always highlighted by a visit with Shirley. Sam also inherited the musical gene and I loved when Shirley would coax him to sing with her. They sang beautifully together during the musical tribute Shirley’s team put together for Belle and Mier’s anniversary. Now that Sam has also passed on I treasure that video. I’m sharing a photo of them on that occasion. I’ll always appreciate Shirley’s love for our family.
My mom loved singing with Sam (and anyone for that matter!) and especially at family events like the Anniversary celebration for Mier and Belle! I’ve added your photo to the archive, here is a link to the page where you can find it:
https://www.posnickfamily.com/shirley-siegel/photos/gallery/page/2
Thank you Lorraine!
Shirley was my aunt and my dad’s baby sister. She was such fun to be with and so outgoing, fun and enthusiastic. She had a beautiful voice and knew a million songs. She was also extremely happy and optimistic, which are traits that I envy. She was so generous, opening up her apartment if we were visiting Disneyland or helping anyone she knew in need of a helping hand. She was also extremely funny and had some great jokes. I miss her a lot and am so glad I flew to LA for her 80th birthday party. It was a truly special event.
Thank you for your memories of my mom Sherry. We’re so glad you were able to come and help celebrate her 80th Birthday!
I was helping Lewis hang a piece of art in his (Los Feliz?) apartment, and in walked Shirley. We had never met before. I had wrist braces on my hands to help with carpal tunnel stuff, and she immediately came over and reached for my hands and asked how my wrists were feeling while looking me straight in the eye. Shirley was a bright white fountain of empathy and compassion. Her ability to connect with others was unfiltered and limitless. It was all Shirley.
Yes, it was my place in Los Feliz! I moved there in the summer of 2000. The next year you painted an original “Max Strauss” for me — the Little People Cowboy. Thank you Joe for contributing your touching memory of my mom.