Shirley Iris Finkelstein Reines

Shirley Iris Finkelstein Reines


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Aug 23rd, 2014

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  • Death Date: Aug 23, 2014

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Biography: Shirley Iris Finkelstein Reines, devoted wife, loving mother, patroness of the arts, and caring soul, left this world a better place on August 23, 2014, at the age of 93. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Shirley grew up with her Russian immigrant parents and 4 siblings in Coney Island. During the Swing Era, Shirley danced her way into the heart of dashing Marine Corps Captain Mervin Reines, marrying him on December 5, 1941. After World War II, Shirley and Merv parented two children, Michael Seth Reines of Phoenix, Arizona, and Bonnie Reines Jacobson of Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1954, the Reines family moved to Athens, Georgia, where they lived for 50 years, entertaining countless friends, relatives and dignitaries from around the world. While Dr. Reines served as a respected educator, Shirley was a passionate community volunteer and member of Congregation Children of Israel, spearheading a home-delivered meals program (before Meals on Wheels), the Athens Tay-Sachs Screening Program and testing of underprivileged children for the University of Georgia Psychology Department. After a life rich in arts advocacy and world travel, Shirley and Mervin moved in 2004 to Little Rock, Arkansas, to be under the loving care of their daughter Bonnie and son-in-law Dr. Bill Jacobson, with frequent visits from son Seth and his partner JR McAlexander. A service to honor the life of Shirley Reines was conducted in Little Rock by Rabbi Barry Block on August 24, 2014, in the home of her former rabbi and beloved friends Gene & Bobbye Levy. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Levy Camp Scholarship Fund, Congregation B?nai Israel, 3700 N Rodney Parham, Little Rock, AR 72212; or Alzheimer?s Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205. Shirley?s ashes will be joined with her beloved Merv?s in Athens, Georgia, at a later date. Shirley?s family wishes to thank Dr. Claudia Tolleson and staff, the staffs of Parkway Heights and Parkway Health Center, the Baptist Hospital Resiratory Wing nurses, and Baptist Palliative Care, for their compassionate and respectful loving care. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(03)
Alan Reines
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Bonni Bill and Seth. After watching several episodes of "who do you think you are" I periodically get on google to check on the status of family members. My heart broke when I read that Aunt Shirley had passed. Both she and my mom Eva reached the ripe old age of 93. My memories of our gettogethers in Penn State and Athens are cherished and remembered so very fondley. We were always treated like royalty. Yes I always managed to get into trouble but our moms always defended me. But..I always learned many important things on those trips. Please know I think of you all often.
You have my sincerest regrets. They may all be gone now but they have lest us the most precious gift...undying wonderful memories.
Paul and Beverly Kormanik
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We are so sorry for your loss. We miss both of your parents. Your father was a brilliant and fun co-worker, and your mother always showed so much caring.
Marsha & Bob Fidoten
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We just received word of cousin Shirley's passing. Shirley and Mervin were dear, close cousins for countless years, and we always enjoyed the occasional visit to Athens, Georgia. Bob's memories go back to Seagate days, Shirley and Mervin's courtship and wedding. We miss them.

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