Ida Shanker

A true love story, Ida passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on February 15, 2013, reuniting with her beloved husband Jack just 11 days after his death. She was also preceded in death by her mother Esther and father Philip, sisters Beatrice and Lillian, and brother Louis. She is survived by her sons Larry (Margery) and James (Susan), and her daughter Sally Ann Frohnapfel (Chuck). Ida and Jack have seven grandchildren, Todd (Debra), Randall (Melissa), Scott (Tamara), Michael (Tracy), Kenny Shanker and Brett (Katie) and Kara Grossman. She also has 12 great-grandchildren.

Ida and Jack were married on April 14, 1940 and were a beautiful, loving couple for over 72 years. Jack was the love of her life and she was his “one and only Valentine.” Ida was a social person, who loved to entertain the many friends she and Jack had throughout their lives. She was a great cook and party planner, and loved to dance. Ida was kind and gracious, blessed with business acumen, outstanding communication skills, and a sharp sense of humor. As a young working woman, she integrated these qualities perfectly, first for her father’s business, Shapiro Auto Parts in Owosso, and then again with Canada Dry Bottling Co., the Shanker family business. As a young mother, she helped Canada Dry survive and thrive when Jack went off to serve valiantly in World War Two.

Ida was a longtime member of Shaarey Zedek. Earlier in her life, she was active in Sisterhood and Hadassah. She and Jack were members of Walnut Hills Country Club and both of them enjoyed golf until they were 92. Ida even accomplished the zenith of golf shots –a hole in one. As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, love and family were at the heart of everything she did.

The funeral service will be held at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 1924 Coolidge Rd, East Lansing on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Arrangements have been made by Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a donation please consider Shaarey Zedek, 1924 Coolidge Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823; Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813; or a charity of your choice.