SHIRLEY (TUCKER) RAITZIN

March 3, 1924 - March 2, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Shirley Raitzin, 88, died at her residence in Boca Raton, FL, on Saturday, March 2, 2013. She was born on March 3, 1924, in Moline, IL, but spent substantially all of her life as a resident of the South Bend community. Her parents were Frances and Maurice Tucker, both of whom have died. She had 1 brother, Robert, or "Red" to his family and friends, who is also deceased.

Shirley attended Central High School in South Bend and earned a degree from Stephen's College in Columbia, Missouri. I

n 1946, in Miami, she met Sam Raitzin of New York City, who had recently returned from military service in Europe. "He asked me to dance," she said. Romance blossomed and the young couple subsequently were married, a union that was to flourish for more than 64 years. Sam predeceased Shirley on November 3, 2011. The Raitzins made South Bend their home.

Shirley and Sam had two daughters, Nancy (Jay) Chodock of Phoenix, Arizona, and Dona Weinraub of Boca Raton, Florida. They have four grandchildren, Marc Chodock, Rochelle (Tim) Fink, Emily (Erick) Guerra and Andrew Weinraub (deceased); and eight great-grandchildren, Deanna Weinraub, Micheal Weinraub, Ryan Weinraub, Abriella Guerra, Elliot Guerra, Richard Fink, Daniel Fink and Lawrence Fink.

Shirley was an active supporter of the B'nai Brith Society, especially its Temple Beth El Youth Organization, Hadassah's efforts to support hospitals and medical facilities in Israel, the Assistance League of Denver and the Arizona Asthmatic Children's Foundation. Shirley and Sam have also sponsored various community activities and have been actively involved with the St. Joseph County Community Foundation and the St. Joseph County Jewish Community Center. Throughout her life she was known for her wisdom, her serenity, loyalty and her dry wit. Shirley's passing will be mourned by her daughters and their families, along with a host of relatives and friends.

A service, in keeping with the Jewish orthodox ritual of burial, will be held at Sinai Synagogue on Wednesday at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the Hebrew Orthodox Cemetery, Mishawaka. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be delivered to the Sinai Synagogue, 1102 E. LaSalle Ave., South Bend, IN 46617. To send condolences to the family, log on to www.McGannHay.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2013.

02/21/2023 EJS