At 108, Los Angeles Jewish Health Resident Continues to Thrive

Home / News & Events / Newsletter

At 108, Los Angeles Jewish Health Resident Continues to Thrive

Jul 3, 2023

When Fountainview at Gonda Westside resident Shirley Groner was born in June 1915, the average life expectancy was 54 years. The idea of doubling that lifespan would have been inconceivable – and yet, 108 years later, Shirley is still going strong.

The third of four sisters born and raised in the Chicago area, Shirley was a natural athlete – a talented swimmer and diver who brought the same passion and energy she displayed in the water to everything she did. It was that desire to jump in and experience life fully that led her to San Francisco as a young woman, where in a matter of months, she met and got engaged to her husband, Harold. They were together for 59 years, building a family and a life together that infused their partnership with love, fulfillment, and joy.

Their daughter, Wendy Groner Strauss (who with her husband, Michael Strauss, also lives at Fountainview at Gonda Westside), says Shirley has always been a force of nature.

“Mom is curious and engaged, and throughout her life she leaned into every opportunity,” Wendy notes. “If there was somewhere to go, she went; a place to explore, she seized the chance; people to talk to, she started chatting. I think being such a doer has helped keep her going all these years.”

In addition to raising Wendy and her two brothers, Wayne and Brian, Shirley was constantly on the move, whether it was knitting sweaters for US soldiers, participating in Hadassah and B’nai Brith, or serving as president of the San Francisco chapter of City of Hope. She also embraced the arts, frequently attending ballet performances, writing her own poetry, and soaking up musical theater productions. Music was central to her identity, and she delighted in playing the cornet, a brass instrument similar to the trumpet.

Although Harold’s passing in 2000 was difficult to bear, Shirley moved forward with her typical vigor, traveling frequently between Southern California and the East Coast to visit her 10 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 24 great-great grandchildren.

“Bubba is a fixture in my life. I have so many wonderful memories of spending time with her when I was growing up, not only at our house in Orange County but also traveling abroad,” says grandson Sasha Strauss. “She’s stylish and creative, and so open to new things. Whenever she had a chance for adventure, she would say ‘yes,’ and in that way (and so many others) she’s really a role model for me.”

Embracing adventure has taken Shirley around the world, including Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Curacao, Honduras, Italy, the Seychelle Islands, and beyond. She has even been mushing with Alaskan huskies in Colorado in 32-degree-below-zero conditions! On a number of trips, she channeled her love of swimming into skindiving with her son-in-law, Michael, an orthopaedist and wound care specialist who spent over three decades traversing the globe as a doctor for the Navy SEALs.

“Shirley is bold, there’s no question about it,” Michael says. “She’s also indefatigable: She would frequently accompany me to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meetings, spearheading some of the group’s charitable activities by helping to build playgrounds in cities from San Francisco to Washington, DC.”

For years, Shirley lived in a senior living community in San Francisco, but during COVID, she headed south to be closer to Wendy and Michael and their sons, Sasha, an expert in brand strategy and a professor at USC and UCLA, and Ari, an electrical engineer. Wendy, still a working pharmacist, and Michael, an active LA-area surgeon, had been poised to take up residence at Fountainview at Gonda Westside when Shirley made the move to Los Angeles, and they were successful in securing her a spot, as well.

“Living at Fountainview at Gonda Westside has been great for Mom: She frequently attends lectures and plays dominoes every night,” Wendy says. “Sometimes, she wins!”

Sasha was recently a Fountainview at Gonda Westside guest lecturer, and he was proud to have his grandmother in the front row. “I spoke for a couple of hours, and Bubba was following along and keeping up the entire time, even more so than many of the other, much younger, attendees,” he says. “To have that kind of ability at 108 is nothing short of astonishing.”

From her perspective, Shirley agrees that staying active has been central to her ability to thrive. But she has other ideas about what may be fueling her longevity, as well.

“Healthy food helps,” she says. “Also, having a lot of love.”

Prev Page Next Page

Share

Sign up for the Los Angeles Jewish Health newsletter, Connections.

First Name

Last Name

Email

Recent Articles

Nov 6

Confirmation and Inspiration at Los Angeles Jewish Health

The holiday of Sukkot—a Hebrew word meaning “booths” or “huts”—follows closely after Yom Kippur and is a joyous celebration of the autumn harvest. This year at Los Angeles Jewish Health, the holiday also marked another very special and happy occasion: the adult confirmation of three residents in their 80s and 90s who displayed their mastery of Jewish scholarship and prayer in front of a rapt audience of family and friends.Confirmation is a way for Jewish students of post-bar or bat mitzvah age to continue engaging with their tradition and confirm their commitment to Jewish life. Inside a gorgeous sukkah erected in the main courtyard of LAJH’s Grancell Village campus, the assembled guests listened to the women—Etta Spiegel, 96; Barbara Fallick, 82; and Linda Zweig, 81—all of whom had previously had adult bat mitzvahs, chant from the Torah and offer astute insights into Jewish history, ritual, and culture. The ceremony was held as a highlight of LAJH’s Friday afternoon Shabbat service, led by Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender.“These women wanted to deepen their Jewish knowledge, and they studied with me for about a year in preparation for this day, ultimately becoming experts in an area of specific interest to them,” Rabbi Bender shared during the moving ceremony. “Their passion and determination are incredible to behold, and I am beyond excited for them to share what they’ve learned with you today.”Etta focused on the Passover story, making connections between the Pharoah of ancient Egypt and modern-day tyrants. Linda spoke about Midrash, a genre of Jewish commentary, and discussed the ways in which, when it comes to biblical interpretation, women (whose perspectives were once marginalized) are now empowered to be part of the conversation. Barbara delved into family dynamics in the Book of Genesis, with particular emphasis on the life of Jacob.At the conclusion of the service, Ilana Springer, CEO/administrator of the Joyce Eisenberg- Keefer Medical Center, presented each of the confirmands with a framed photograph of them with the Torah and complimented their dedication and drive. “Through their words and actions, these women demonstrate their faith, courage, and hope for the future of the Jewish people,” Springer said.LA Jewish Health Board Chair Judy Friedman-Rudzki gifted each of the women a sculpture, bearing their names and depicting a woman holding the Torah. “Your example shows us that there’s no limit to what we as women can accomplish!” she said.Also on hand was Dale Surowitz, LAJH’s president and chief executive officer, who congratulated the three residents on their tremendous effort and handed them each a certificate of adult confirmation to mark the occasion.“Thank you for showing all of us that age is only a number,” he said. “What you accomplished here makes clear that we can do anything if we put in the hard work and follow our hearts.”As she ended the service, Rabbi Bender offered Etta, Barbara, and Linda a special blessing and some heartfelt words of praise. “I have so much gratitude and respect for each of you,” she said. “You’ve truly inspired us all.”

A Sweet Start to a New Year at Los Angeles Jewish Health

Every year, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—the holiest days on the Jewish calendar—present Los Angeles Jewish Health residents with multiple opportunities for both celebration and reflection. This year’s holiday events were as wonderful as ever, marked by beautiful music, meaningful prayer, and cherished traditions.Led by Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender, as well as Rabbi Ron Goldberg, the spiritual leader for the Eisenberg Village campus, LA Jewish Health’s holiday observances offered something for everyone of the Jewish faith. There were multiple religious services held across both residential campuses. In the main courtyard at Grancell Village, Rabbi Bender—assisted by her son, Holden—was joined by cantorial soloist Benzy Kogen. Services at the Goldenberg Ziman Special Care Center, officiated by Rabbi Ron, included cantorial soloist Joel Stern. At Fountainview at Eisenberg Village, Rabbi Bender and cantorial soloist Aria Gittelson led residents in the holiday liturgy.The Fountainview service had some particularly special and unexpected moments. Professional musician David Clymer, the grandson of resident Audrey Stein, was on hand to blow the shofar. He filled the room with gorgeous, powerful shofar blasts, uplifting the assembled residents. Unfortunately, Audrey was not among those gathered; she was under the weather and resting in her room. Determined to ensure his grandmother was able to hear the shofar during this season of High Holy Days, David, accompanied Rabbi Bender and Aria Gittelson, stood outside Audrey’s room and serenaded her while she stepped outside in the fresh air and lovingly listened from her balcony above.David Clymer, grandson of resident Audrey Stein blows the shofar as she looks on from the balcony“David was a trumpet player from the time he was little; I think that’s why he’s such a good shofar player,” says Audrey, who was delighted by her private concert. “Hearing him together with Rabbi Bender and Aria was so touching; I was crying the whole time.”For his part, David—a freelance musician who performs throughout West Los Angeles in addition to arranging and composing music—felt honored to perform for his grandmother and to participate in High Holy Day celebrations at LA Jewish Health.“My grandmother is such an amazing person. The amount of love she has for people and for travel has meant a lot for me in my life and has taught me to be a good person. It was a joy connecting with her at LA Jewish Health in this way,” he said.Another signature feature of the High Holy Days at LA Jewish Health this year: eating apples and honey to symbolize hopes for a sweet year ahead. Gathered around holiday tables, residents were able to dip apple slices in several different varieties of honey as they visited with peers and engaged in Jewish learning.Thanks to the ingenuity of Rabbi Bender, residents were also able to participate in the tradition of tashlich (“casting off”). Typically taking place on the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, the tradition is one in which people symbolically cast away their sins by tossing bread crumbs into a flowing body of water. While LA Jewish Health residents could not all travel to the Pacific Ocean to perform the ceremony themselves, they carried out a modified exercise utilizing the crumbs and bowls of water. Then, Rabbi Bender collected bread crumbs from them and drove to the beach herself, casting the crumbs into the water on their behalf, in the last afternoon sun.“At LA Jewish Health, every resident matters, and we will stop at nothing to bring them the joy of the holidays and the joys of life,” Rabbi Bender says.

Los Angeles Jewish Health Receives $1 Million Gift from Alfred E. Mann Charities

Leading foundation supports Southern California’s premier senior healthcare provider(LOS ANGELES, CA – October 2, 2024) Los Angeles Jewish Health has received a $1 million donation from the Alfred E. Mann Charities Inc., a prominent Los Angeles-based charitable foundation that supports scientific advancement, education, community development, and cultural initiatives. The gift will support the newest location of LAJH’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).Situated in the heart of L.A.’s Pico-Robertson neighborhood, the new Westside BCSC is a full-service adult day care center offering head-to-toe medical assistance, social activities, transportation, and home care services to eligible seniors. Through its 5,000-square-foot Wellness Center, the Westside BCSC’s coordinated team orchestrates comprehensive health services including medical and specialty care, behavioral health services, social work services, physical and occupational therapy services, home care services, prescription medications, and delicious meals. The Wellness Center is being named in the Alfred E. Mann Charities’ honor in recognition of its landmark gift, which will help advance the Westside BCSC’s work and play an important role in enabling the facility to serve more than 400 area seniors.“We are tremendously grateful to the Alfred E. Mann Charities for helping to further LAJH’s mission to provide excellence in senior care reflective of Jewish values for all,” said Dale Surowitz, LAJH’s president and chief executive officer. “Thanks to this gift, our newest Brandman Center will have critical resources to make a meaningful difference in seniors’ lives.”Each day, BCSC PACE offers a vital lifeline for frail, elderly adults still living in the community (more than 95% of program participants live outside of a nursing home). Most participants are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Once they enroll, the BCSC becomes their exclusive provider for all medical needs—coordinating their appointments and care and eliminating the need for them to pay medical bills.For the Alfred E. Mann Charities, investing in the vision of the BCSC continues a longstanding partnership with Los Angeles Jewish Health.“We are proud supporters of LAJH, a community where every individual is valued and treated with kindness,” said Michael Dreyer, president of the Alfred E. Mann Charities, and Anoosheh Bostani, the organization’s chief financial officer. “The team is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors by providing exceptional medical care rooted in compassion, respect, and dignity.” The Alfred E. Mann Wellness Center in the Brandman Centers for Senior Care West Los Angeles LocationExam room at the Mann Wellness CenterTreatment room at the Mann Wellness CenterDental Exam room at the Mann Wellness Center