Shirley Furman
FURMAN: Shirley Furman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away at the age of 95. Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to parents, Issy and Frieda Stracks. Shirley moved to Houston, Texas, with her family as a child. While In Houston, Shirley met and married her husband of 51 years, Laurence Arthur Furman. In 2014 Shirley left Texas to be close to her daughter, Yvonne, in Pittsburgh. She returned to her home state of Texas in 2026 to be close to her son, Gary, where she lived out her remaining time. Shirley was an active volunteer with the Sisterhood of Adath Emeth Synagogue, where she served in a variety of roles, including president. During the 1960s and early 1970s she taught nursery school at the day school of Beth Yeshurun Synagogue. Beginning in the mid-70s she began working at The Knit Shop in Houston teaching knitting, crocheting and needlepoint — activities that she enjoyed her whole life. Shirley was known for her quick wit, her outgoing personality, and her willingness — at the drop of a hat — to join a card or mahjong game. Shirley is survived by her daughter, Yvonne Bukstein; her son Gary Furman and wife, Frankie Furman; five grandchildren: Eric Bukstein, Rachel Brooks, Arthur Furman, Lillie Furman Henson and Walter Ace Furman. She also took pride in her eight great-grandchildren: Emma and Maddie Bukstein, Avery and Quinn Brooks, Emi and Bibi Furman, and Arrow and Luna Henson. In addition to her parents and her husband, Shirley is predeceased by her sister, Norma Roth. PJC
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