Betty (Kalb Weiner) Shuman
SHUMAN: Betty (Kalb Weiner) Shuman, 1930-2024, passed away peacefully on Oct. 19, 2024, at the age of 94. She is survived by a loving family, including her children: Gail Korval (Arnie), Karen Weiner (Jonas Goldenberg), David Weiner (Joan McLaughlin), Linda Shuman, Eric Shuman (Whitney) and Nina Nelson (Per Folin). Betty found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren: Sarah Korval (Scott Wisnaskas), Adam Korval, Emily Boym (Jonathan), Rachel Goldenberg (Adam Silver), Trinley (Matt) Goldenberg, Kevin Weiner, Paige Weiner and Eric Weiner (Georgia Pope) — and was especially fortunate to welcome two great-grandchildren, Nate and Zach Boym, into her life. Betty also leaves behind several beloved nieces and nephews, as well as an exceptional team of caregivers who grew to be her dear friends. Born in 1930 in Pittsburgh, to George and Minnie (Bergman) Kalb, Betty’s early years were filled with cherished moments alongside her older sister Pearl and a close-knit group of cousins in Squirrel Hill. She played the violin and often spent afternoons at movie matinees, enchanted by the stories on the big screen. Betty attended Taylor Allderdice High School before enrolling at the University of Pittsburgh. During this time, she met Leroy Weiner, whom she married in 1950. Together they made their home in New Castle, Pennsylvania, where they lived happily until Leroy’s passing in 1984. Betty earned her master’s degree while raising a family. She subsequently taught freshman English at Youngstown State University, sharing her love for literature and language with countless students. Betty and her husband Leroy were deeply engaged community members — both in their local circles and far beyond. Betty was also active politically, taking part in the League of Women Voters and as a proud supporter of John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign, lending her time and voice to causes she believed in. Betty and Leroy’s home was always a welcoming place. They worked with the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors, which introduced them to individuals from around the world. Through an American Field Service program, they welcomed Nina Nelson, a Swedish exchange student who quickly became an integral part of the family. Betty’s passion for volunteering extended to her children — sometimes enthusiastically. When her daughter Gail signed her up to be a Girl Scout leader, Betty creatively led the troop for six years. Betty’s love for cooking was a gift she passed along to her children. She was an early adopter of healthy ingredients, though she kept one delightful indulgence on her menu: ice cream. Through friends, Betty met Ed Shuman, and they married in 1987. She moved back to Pittsburgh that year. Though Betty had spent most of her life indifferent to sports, she surprised everyone by becoming an avid Steelers fan — a late-life passion that few saw coming. Betty’s true enthusiasm, however, was always for people. She adored her children and grandchildren, cherished deep connections with friends, and found joy in learning about other cultures. Betty and Ed shared a love for travel, embarking on adventures across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Winters brought them to Longboat Key, Florida, where they eventually settled permanently in 2020. Betty and Ed enjoyed a warm and fulfilling life together until his passing in 2022. Betty was famously directionally challenged — a trait so strong it managed to pass down through the generations. But perhaps even more notable was her insatiable intellectual curiosity. A lifelong learner, she delighted in courses, lectures, books and movies. Her love for the New York Times crossword puzzle became a shared ritual with many family members. Betty’s quick wit and delightful sense of humor were cherished by all who knew her. She aged with grace, embracing each chapter of life and finding joy even amid health challenges — after all, there was always ice cream to be enjoyed. Please think of Betty with your next scoop. Donations may be made in Betty’s memory to the Leroy R. Weiner and Betty (Weiner) Shuman Scholarship Fund (greaterworcester.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1761) hosted at the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, JFCS Refugee and Immigrant Services of Pittsburgh, or to a charity of your choice. PJC
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