Nellie Jonas Shulgold
July 13, 2014

SHULGOLD, NELLIE ZELMA JONAS : Died at RiverWoods Retirement Community in Exeter, NH on July 13, 2014, two days after her 101st birthday. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA on July 11, 1913 to Rose (Berkowitz) and Simon Jonas. Nellie was confirmed in the Jewish faith at Rodef Shalom Temple in 1927.  Following graduation from the Fifth Street High School, she attended the University of Pittsburgh and completed her undergraduate degree in social work at the Margaret Morrison School for Women (Carnegie Mellon University) in Pittsburgh, PA, graduating in 1935.  She worked at the Jewish Family and Children's Service Bureau in Pittsburgh where she did foster home and adoption placement from 1935 to 1939. In the 1970's, she returned to school to become a certified elementary school teacher through Geneva College in Beaver Fall, PA. Nellie married Harry Rubens of Cleveland, Ohio in 1937.  He died during the first year of their marriage. In 1939, she married Morris Shulgold of Pittsburgh, PA, and moved to Beaver, PA, where they lived together for 45 years until his death in 1984. During WWII, Nellie worked as a Nurse's Aide and received an award for surpassing 1000 hours of service.  In Beaver, she was involved in many volunteer groups, including The Lighthouse for whom she transcribed books, articles and meeting minutes into Braille for the blind.  She also volunteered at the Merrick Art Gallery, Hadassah and other women's organizations at the Beaver Valley Jewish Community Center. At the age of 80, she moved to RiverWoods Retirement Community in Exeter, NH, when it opened in 1993 to be closer to her granddaughters and watch them grow up.  While at RiverWoods, Nellie continued her volunteer tradition by starting and organizing numerous activities. This included weekly sing-a-longs for the residents of the nursing facility as well as bi-monthly sing-a-longs for the independent residents. She also worked with other residents to knit "Linus blankets" for severely ill children, and hats, scarves and mittens for local Head Start children.  She worked at RiverWoods Country Store for residents for 10 years and managed the jewelry sales at RiverWoods' monthly resale store.  Nellie was a member of the Mis-Steps, the RiverWoods line dancing troupe for 12 years. Nellie is survived by her daughters Lee Ann Shulgold of Beaver Falls, PA;  Lisa Beryl Johnson of Newburyport, MA; granddaughter, Taryn Morisa Johnson of Somerville, MA; granddaughter Carlyn Elisabeth Johnson of Somerville, MA and her fiancé, Aarish Riaz of Waltham, MA; her brother Stanton Jonas and his wife Ruth of Pittsburgh, PA, as well many dear nieces, nephews and children of close friends, as well as extended family members. Services and Interment PRIVATE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The RiverWoods Spencer Fund, providing scholarships for RiverWoods' nursing staff, at 7 RiverWoods Drive, Exeter New Hampshire 03833. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

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A wonderful woman; wonderful life.