Evelyn Barbarosh Bersh's Obituary
A Toast to Evelyn Barbarosh Bersh 1911-2013 Gather round! A toast, please! A toast! To Evelyn Schenkel Barbarosh Bersh! To Evie, who brightened the world with her arrival on April 6, 1911 in Newark, New Jersey and left lightly from Tucson, Arizona on February 23, 2013. Here's to an amazing wife, married to Nathan for 50 years and then Victor for five. Among her gifts to the world count four children, Allen, Linda, George and Maralyn; grandchildren, Keith, Kathy, Carrie, Patti, Paul and Zak; and 15 great grandchildren. We raise our glasses to the example Evelyn set by her generous involvement in local and national organizations, from the Jewish Home for Asthmatic Children in New Jersey to the Tucson JCC to Hadassah, to working the polls on Election Day, right on up to when she was 95. As Evie gave of her time, so she gave of her music. And as we toast Evie, we also recognize her best friend, her piano. The two met when her parents bought lessons for her sister, Lillian. But Evie, ever watchful, listened carefully to what she heard in the next room, and quietly practiced on her own. She taught herself to play by ear, and though she never learned to read a note, she has played for countless shows, friends and parties for the better part of a century, often with her "E&E Show" partner, Eleanor. If there was a piano in the room, it would be alive with Evie's music, flowing through silken-skinned hands and perfectly polished nails clicking on ivory keys. She played every day, gaining life from the music and giving it back to all who listened. We think of Grandma Evie with a wink, who taught us to play card games like Kings in the Corner and Steal the Old Man's Bundle and then gleefully beat our pants off. We smile at this true and honest Puck, who reveled in a good joke, and whose laughter was unbridled, contagious, mouth-open, and ended more often than not in joyful tears. To the Queen, who wore the crown on her carefree (albeit hairfree) brow with endless ease, who inspired literally thousands to dance and sing and laugh and love. Join me and let us raise our glasses high: to nigh on 102 years of a life well-lived. Here's to you, Evelyn! We will celebrate Evelyn's life at Evergreen Mortuary, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile, at 2:30 pm on February 25. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Tucson JCC or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY
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