Residents of Lakeview, second floor, know her as a caring, hospitable neighbor and communicative Building Representative. Participants in excursions to Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple, the Santa Barbara Orchid Show or Solvang shopping have experienced her group leadership. Who? Exuberant, knowledgeable SHIRLEY JAFFE, of course!
Drama and the stage were always high on Shirley’s interest list, as actress, singer and dancer. Ask Shirley about her first audition under the fictitious name, Patricia Bronson. “Patricia” almost missed her “Please remain to talk to us” invitation, not recognizing the name being called! But a show business career was not in Shirley’s parents’ plans for her, and she dutifully became an elementary school teacher.
During her teaching career in Miami Beach, Shirley loved spending evenings dancing at an upscale hotel frequented by young professionals. During one particularly good dance, other dancers cleared the floor. When the music ended observers tossed money (subsequently given to the band) – pennies, nickels, dimes – once a quarter! Shirley soon met the generous admirer, and five short months later she became his wife.
Married, Shirley gave top priority to her husband and two daughters. Returning later to her career, Shirley became an unemployment insurance adjudicator for the California Employment Development Department. UV’s Sheldon Ziff was one of the judges before whom she represented clients!
In 1948 the establishment of Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, was the fulfillment of a Jewish dream. Following her role-model mother, Shirley joined the University’s National Women’s Committee, designing educational enrichment activities as fund raisers and ultimately serving as president of the Los Angeles Chapter. Her expansive knowledge of local cultural opportunities enhances the tours she continues to lead today, including excursions here at UV.
And Shirley has other interests! The National Mental Health Association has been “very, very important, for many, many years.” In Los Angeles she launched a program for retired professionals to volunteer in mental health facilities, and initiated parenting guidance groups. She established a Mothers’ March for the March of Dimes in the Wilshire area schools; she wrote and directed plays for schools and Temple.
Young-at-heart and multi-talented Shirley calls her life “lucky and fulfilling.” You are an inspiration and an asset to everyone here, Shirley Jaffe. Thank you for sharing yourself!