Shirley Gardenswartz
Centenarian Shirley Gardenswartz passed away March 28, 2022, at the age of 102. Services was held on March 31 at Congregation Beth Israel and at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, NM, officiated by Rabbi Dov Gartenberg. Arrangements were made by French Funerals.
Mrs. Gardenswartz was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., on July 1, 1919. Her family later moved to Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood. Mrs. Gardenswartz attended East High School, CU Boulder and DU.
In 1940, Mrs. Gardenswartz married Harold Gardenswartz at BMH. They were married for 68 years until Mr. Gardenswartz’s passing in 2008.
After their Denver wedding, the couple moved to Albuquerque, NM, where Mr. Gardenswartz started his business, H. Cook Sporting Goods.
At this time, Mrs. Gardenswartz immediately became a community volunteer. She was the first president of Albuquerque’s Hadassah chapter, and the first chairperson of the women’s division of the Jewish Community Council of Albuquerque. A garden at the JCC is named “Shirley’s Garden.”
“She was a true lady who had integrity, beauty and intelligence,” her family said of the woman nicknamed “The Dutchess.”
Survivors include children Art (Sonya) Gardenswartz, JoAnn (Philip) Carchman and Bobbi (Gary) Siegel.
Contributions may be made to “Shirley’s Garden” at the JCC of Greater Albuquerque.
Joyce Spritzer
Lifelong teacher Joyce Spritzer died on March 15, 2022, at the age of 79. A service was held March 22 at Temple Sinai, officiated by Rabbi Richard Rheins. Arrangements were made by Feldman Mortuary.
Mrs. Spritzer was born on Sept. 26, 1942, in Cincinnati, OH. She attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated with a degree in teaching. She married Hal Spritzer, and after Mr. Spritzer’s military service concluded the couple moved to Denver.
Mr. and Mrs. Spritzer were married for 59 years until Mrs. Spritzer’s passing.
Mrs. Spritzer’s influence on Denver’s youth began when she began teaching pre-kindergarten at Temple Sinai, where she eventually became director of the preschool. Mrs. Spritzer later taught in Littleton Public Schools.
After she retired, Mrs. Spritzer stayed active in the teaching community, including becoming a member and officer of the honorary teaching sorority, ADK.
“She mentored many students over the years and made such a great impact in the lives and careers of aspiring teachers,” her family said.
Survivors include Mrs. Spritzer’s husband Hal; children Marc (Katy) Spritzer, Stacey (Dan) Shomers; and two grandchildren.
Contributions may be made to Jewish Family Service.
Michael Ziskin
Denver native Michael Ziskin passed away on March 15, 2022. He was 70. Burial was at Mt. Nebo Cemetery on March 20, officiated by Rabbi Benjamin Last. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Mr. Ziskin was born on Aug. 26, 1951. He grew up in the Park Hill and Hilltop neighborhoods and attended Hill Junior High and George Washington High School. He later relocated to Topeka, KS.
Knowledge of antiques and pottery was one of Mr. Ziskin’s trademarks, and he owned an antique business.
He also had a deep love of music.
“There was not an instrument he couldn’t pick up and play, and he wrote the finest lyrics,” said Mr. Ziskin’s sister Barbara Day.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Contributions may be made to National Jewish Health.
Copyright © 2022 by the Intermountain Jewish News
