Shirley Rae Katz (née Silver)

Shirley Rae Katz (née Silver), age 90, passed on July 25, 2026

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1935, Shirley was raised in Akron, Ohio, where she met the love of her life, Leo. Together they shared a beautiful marriage of more than 70 years, building a life centered on love, family, faith, and community.

Shirley and Leo were blessed with four children, Cheryl (David) Lever, Melinda (Brad) Edwards, Aimee (Dwynn) Greenfield, and Randy (Julie) Katz. She embraced each of her children's spouses as her own and took immense pride in the loving family they created together.

Shirley was known for her extraordinary hospitality, boundless creativity, and genuine friendship. Whether in Akron, Ohio, or Sarasota, Florida, she welcomed everyone with warmth, kindness, and a wonderful sense of humor. Hardworking, outgoing, and deeply caring, she devoted herself to her family, extended family, and community. Her dedication to Anshe Sfard Synagogue was especially meaningful, where she lovingly catered countless events over many years.

Everyone who knew Shirley cherished her wit, her fun-loving spirit, and her generous heart. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her many grandchildren, their spouses, and her great-grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband, Leo; her children, Cheryl (David) Lever, Melinda (Brad) Edwards, Aimee (Dwynn) Greenfield, and Randy (Julie) Katz; her brother, Harvey Silver; her many beloved grandchildren, their spouses, and great-grandchildren; and countless relatives and dear friends whose lives she touched.

Funeral Service

Sunday, July 26, at 5:00 p.m.

Anshe Sfard Synagogue

646 N. Revere Road

Akron, OH 44333

Zoom link for Services

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82114624125?pwd=3mGBNEEZLuemd5bOJGGejqJ9PUoxFK.1__ ;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!M3JZ5TvPlaiwyMM8qTmKI08RK18mVmIU4hPUPw8Qapb74cLjW_DbN_yVGDfUvBeaVQ0LYcPYOIMM0KfBnGTRlVyOivfhrAQgiA$

Interment will follow at:

Anshe Sfard Cemetery

310 Swartz Road

Akron, OH 44319

Shiva

At the Lever residence:

• Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

At the Katz residence (Akron):

• Tuesday and Wednesday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

• Minyan at 6:30 p.m.

Donations in Shirley's Memory

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Anshe Sfard Synagogue – Rose Katz Kitchen Fund

646 N. Revere Road

Akron, OH 44333

and/or

Bikur Cholim of Cleveland

1845 S. Taylor Road

Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

הַמָּקוֹם יְנַחֵם אֶתְכֶם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאָר אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם

May Shirley's memory be for a blessing. Amen.