Irene Shirley
Tannenbaum
"Surki"
Our beloved Surki Lehrer Tannenbaum passed away on March 20, 2010 after a brief illness. She had celebrated her 92nd birthday on New Year's Day.
Born in 1918 to Celie and Israel Lehrer in Denver, Colorado, Surki was raised with her three siblings, Vickie, Sophie and Harvey, all whom preceded her in death. On July 1, 1960, Surki met Ira Richard Tannenbaum. Ten days later they married and were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
Surki was a beautiful spirit with a zest for life and a love of learning. She cared deeply for others, was generous, and had an open mind and a big heart.
Devoted to Headstart, Surki worked with children of all ages. She volunteered on a hot line for people in need, was an advisor for B'nai B'rith Girls, President of Congregation Montefiore Sisterhood, and member of Congregation Kol Ami Sisterhood, National Council of Jewish Woman, and Hadassah. She enjoyed golf, welcoming relatives from around the world, and playing panguingue with her friends Belle Katz, Bettie Richtel, Ida Grossman, Marion Sher, and Fran Sapitsky. It's been said the whole fate of the Jewish community was decided upon over those games. She was the first cornea transplant patient in Utah.
Surki is survived by her loving husband, Ira, sister-in-law Judy Taul, her many great nieces and nephews and countless friends who absolutely adored her.
Graveside services will be held this Wednesday, March 24th at 1:30 p.m., at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, B'nai Israel (West Section), 4th Avenue and "P" Street. Please, no flowers, but a contribution in memory of Surki may be made to Congregation Kol Ami, 2425 East Heritage Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84109, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements and care entrusted to Evans and Early Mortuary, Salt Lake City.