Steamboat Pilot & Today

Leanore Widen Hirshman died March 8, 2001 at her home in Newport News from cancer.

Leanore was born in Chicago March 5, 1917. She married Ira L. Hirshman and lived in Newport News since 1942, when her husband accepted employment with Newport News Shipbuilding.

Mrs. Hirshman was a member of the Hampton Roads Section of the National Council of Jewish Women and served as its president in 1980-82 and 1992-94.

She worked for the organization for 57 years, helping to improve the quality of life for women, children and families. In 1987, Lee was awarded the Hannah G. Solomon Award, council's highest honor, for years of dedication to providing community service programs.

She served as a docent at the Holocaust Learning Center of the War Memorial Museum, was a reading tutor in the Newport News Public Schools, a member of the Sisterhood of Temple Sinai, where both Lee and Ira were charter members, and a member of the Brandeis University National Women's Committee, Tidewater Chapter, study group.

She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother; Leanore supported her family in all their endeavors.

She is survived by a son, Michael Neil Hirshman of Steamboat Springs; a daughter, Janet Hirshman Rash of Newport News; a grandson, David Hirshman Rash of Blacksburg, Va.; a brother, Dr. Bernard M. Widen of Chicago; two sisters, Joyce Widen of Chicago and Alice W. Reede of Calabasas, Calif.

Mrs. Hirshman was preceded in death by her husband, Ira L. Hirshman and a sister, Gertrude W. Ludwig of Chicago.

A memorial service is at 2 p.m. March 18 at Temple Sinai and will be led by Rabbi Scott Gurdin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hampton Roads Section of NCJW, c/o Carol Lewis, 216 Archer's Mead, Williamsburg, VA, 23185.

Sensible Alternatives of Virginia is in charge of arrangements.

The family wishes to thank all who gave support and encouragement during her illness, especially to the personnel of the Hospice Program of Riverside Hospital.