Shirley Kasztl, former executive assistant to RMHAs first principal, passed away Dec. 9, 2010, in New Jersey. Rabbi Shmuel Goldin officiated at the service, held at Gutterman Musicant Memorial Chapels in Hackensack, NJ.
She will be missed by many who admired her love of G-d and Torah, who loved her positive outlook and glowing smile, and appreciated her innate wisdom and sage advice, her family said.
Shirley Rotenberg was born June 12, 1930, at Beth Israel Hospital in Denver. Her parents were Sam and Rose Rotenberg.
She grew up on Denvers West side and graduated from North High School.
In 1950, she married Paul Kasztl, who escaped to Shanghai with his family during the Holocaust.
Mrs. Kasztl worked as an executive assistant at Wesco Fabrics for many years.
She then became executive assistant to Sam Biber, the first principal of RMHA.
Members of Zera Abraham when they lived on the West side, the couple joined BMH-BJ after moving to the East side in 1963.
In 1975, they opened Kosher Connection Caterers, which they operated for 15 years.
Mrs. Kasztls home was always a central meeting place for her children and their friends, and her Shabbos table typically accommodated over 45 people.
In 1991, the couple moved to Englewood, NJ, to join their children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Kasztl volunteered at Congregation Ahavas Torah and Englewood Hospital. She and Paul cooked for the elderly at the local JCC for many years.
She was honored by her synagogue and the JCC.
Mrs. Kasztl is survived by her husband Paul Kasztl; children Rabbi Warren (Gail) Kasztl, Judy (Charles) Wimpfheimer, Dr. Myra (James) Petras and Lori (Alvan) Small; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Copyright © 2010 by the Intermountain Jewish News
