Kathleen B. Shapiro

East Lansing, Michigan

Kathleen “Kay” Shapiro was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 13, 1927, and passed away on January 24, 2016, in East Lansing, Michigan.

Kay was a lifelong volunteer and helped the community in a variety of ways. She served on the board of the Sisterhood of Congregation Shaarey Zedek including as President and was on the board of the Lansing Jewish Welfare Federation. She also served on the board of the Lansing Chapter of the American Red Cross, during which time she helped settle Vietnamese immigrants in the area. She believed in the importance of welcoming and aiding refugees from war-torn nations. She was deeply involved throughout her adult life with the Girl Scouts of Michigan.  Her lifelong love of jazz led to her support of jazz in the area including with the Jazz Alliance of Mid-Michigan. Her commitment and support of civil rights dates back to the 1940s. She served as a volunteer with Planned Parenthood of Lansing and was active in local and state-wide politics.

She served on the Executive Board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan from 1995-2005.

She was a lifelong reader and lover of travel and of crossword puzzles. She was an accomplished knitter and her thirst from knowledge helped her grow throughout her life.

She is survived by her sisters, Jane (Blau) Grossman and Sally (Blau) Weinstock; her children, Patricia Weisman, Michael and Amy Shapiro; her grandchildren, Emily Blann Cintrón, Molly Blann, Karey Bacon, Hannah Kon, Amanda Shapiro, Benjamin Shapiro and Sarah Shapiro; and her great-grandchildren, Ariella Weisman, Ronia Bacon, and Edwin Kon.

She was predeceased by her husband Elmer James Shapiro, daughter Carol Blann, and grandson Seth Weisman.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 28th at 11:00 a.m. at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 1924 Coolidge Road, East Lansing, MI 48823.  In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Lansing Chapter of the American Red Cross, Planned Parenthood, or the Shapiro Religious School Endowment Fund in care of Congregation Shaarey Zedek.

 

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3 Messages to “Kathleen B. Shapiro

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john and peggy garson
January 26, 2016 at 11:06 pm

cousin Kathleen was a great lady! She made an effort to keep in touch, and we had meaningful conversations over the years. we will miss her intelligence, good humor, and commitment to family. our sincere condolences to her children sistersen, and great grandchildren grandchildred

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Larry Corbin
January 27, 2016 at 12:21 pm

My wife and I always valued her company and we will miss her as will everyone who knew her.

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Bruce Reizen
January 28, 2016 at 1:57 pm

The Reizen Family extends its most heartfelt condolences to all the
Shapiros upon the death of your Mother. She was a loyal friend to
us for a half century, and her sharp sense of intelligence and humor,
so prized in life, will be greatly missed upon her farewell.
Please forgive me for not attending the service; I just read about
it an hour after the fact.
With Warmest Sentiments to all the Family,
Bruce Reizen(on behalf of Leanor and Maurie Reizen)

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