Shirley Nankin passed away on Sept. 8, 2015 with family at her side following a valiant battle with cancer. Born on February 17, 1929 in Alameda, California to Benjamin & Dorothy Berman, Shirley was raised in Sonoma, California. She graduated from Sonoma High School and from University of California, Berkeley. She is survived by her son, Gary Nankin and his wife Susan Nankin, daughter, Lori Lott, grandchildren, Aaron Nankin, Ilana Nankin, and Angie Lott, and many other close relatives. She was predeceased of blessed memory by her loving parents, sister, Annette Day, and grandson, Joey Lott.
Touching so many lives, Shirley was loved and respected by all who knew her for her positivity, wisdom, strength, compassion, and passion for life, enabling her to create a wonderful support system for her as her illness progressed; her ability to deal with adversity as her health declined was an inspiration to everyone she touched, and she will be deeply missed. Shirley cherished family and her large and loyal circle of friends from all stages of her life, including many who also lived in her Rossmoor community. She worked for 40 years into her 80s selling real estate for Century 21 Nankin Realty, Solomon Wilmington, and Rossmoor Realty. She was active in the community for decades, especially as a volunteer in various leadership roles with Jewish Federation. She also greatly valued her long term membership at and support from Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, California.
Friends and family are invited to services at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette on Sept. 11th at 10:30 am. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Temple Isaiah or Hospice of the East Bay.