Shirley Schnoll

Shirley Ruth Schnoll, 97, died peacefully Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at her home in Houston, Texas. Shirley was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Ida and Sam Orenberg. She and her husband Boris were married 61 years. Together they raised 4 independent and successful daughters while enjoying their social and spiritual life together.
As members of Congregation Emanu El, they met many friends who enriched their lives. They performed synagogue mitzvahs and enjoyed being part of the annual musicals there. Shirley was so proud to be entrusted as President of the Sisterhood after many years of volunteer work. Later, she enjoyed the Emanu Elders and, of course, always filled a table of friends for the Sisterhood annual luncheons.
Shirley loved to entertain friends and family with fabulous food and drink. while always being the best hostess, no matter in her beautiful Houston home or their Galveston beach retreat. Gatherings were always a joy for all who attended. Family and special friends were welcome to fabulous, seasonal Jewish holiday meals.
When her eldest daughter went to college, Shirley challenged herself by learning to type braille. She transcribed many books for the library at the Lighthouse. She learned Mah Jongg early in her life from her mother and continued to play until her dying week! Daily, Shirley worked the newspaper word puzzle keeping her mind sharp and of course, as any Jewish woman knows, always kept her weekly beauty shop appointment.
She added so much to her Mahj groups...her admirable skills, receiving well earned money often, with her always happy smile and graciousness. She was by far the best dressed member of the groups, she had a knack for putting together great looking outfits and of course wore them all with impeccable makeup, hair, and jewelry!
Shirley was always ready to travel with Borry, whether it was to Europe’s capital cities or sailing in the Far East or even through the Caribbean Islands. She joined her family to see her eldest grandson become a Bar Mitzvah in Israel.
She was saddened by the loss of her youngest daughter, Debra, and grieved the early death of her youngest grandson, Zachary. She mourned her dear, husband, two sons-in-law as she felt the loss of many a wonderful friend.
Her daughters, Beth Ann, Amy, and Holly will miss her dearly and honor her memory with much love.
She is survived by her grandchildren, Eric Scher, Daniel Scher, Sonia Spaw (Michael Vachmiel), Aaron Valor (Hillary), Suz Cuellar (Ash Brayley) and her great grandson, Nolan Valor.
The Schnoll family is grateful to Houston Hospice and her loyal housekeeper of 40 years, Marie Jackson.
For those who wish to honor her memory, donations can be made to Congregation Emanu El.
(emanuelhouston.org)
A graveside service was held at Emanu El Memorial Park, Rabbi Roy A. Walter and Cantor Rollin Simmons officiating.