Funeral Details

Lawrence Shefsky

Interment - Private

Memorial Contributions

Anti-Defamation League
120 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
www.adl.org
or
ACLU
150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 600
Chicago, Illinois 60601
www.aclu-il.org

Memorial Contributions

Anti-Defamation League
120 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
www.adl.org
or
ACLU
150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 600
Chicago, Illinois 60601
www.aclu-il.org




OBITUARY

Lawrence "Laury" Shefsky was just three months shy of his 100th birthday when he died suddenly on December 16th.

Laury and his beloved Elaine (nee Katzman) were married for 64 beautiful years. He was the kindest and most ethical man any of us knew. Devoted to his family. Politically active (and opinionated!). A whip smart bridge player till the day before he died. He had a better memory than anyone in the family. And he was driving until two weeks ago. Laury shared this life with many people who adored him. He was the loving and admired father of Jay (Elizabeth Feldman) Shefsky, the late Alan Shefsky, and Julie (Chris) Froeter. He was the proud "Poppy" to his grandchildren: Hannah (Michael Thurnauer), Leah, Alex, Joe, and Ruby. Laury was born and grew up on the west side of Chicago with his parents Alex and Sophie Shefsky and four dear siblings: the late Helen (the late Dr. Joseph Schwartz and the late Dr. Morris) Bernards, the late Joseph (the late Ruth) Shefsky, the late Dr. Samuel (the late Esther) Shefsky and the late Fran (the late Seymour) Borin. He was a loyal friend. And a favorite uncle. We're so fortunate that we had this beautiful mensch in our lives for so long, and it's hard to imagine life without him. To keep everyone safe and healthy, the chapel service and interment are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Anti-Defamation League, 120 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60603, www.adl.org or the ACLU, 150 N. Michigan Ave #600, Chicago, IL 60601, www.aclu-il.org. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

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Aunt Elaine, Jay (and family), Julie (and family) and Alan (Alov-hashem), I can not express to you my deepest of condolences. Uncle Laury holds a very special role in my heart and in my memory. When ever we would come to visit, I knew that I would first be greeted with one of Aunt Elaine's hugs and Uncle Laury's warm smiles (with a unique twinkle in his eye). I will remember him as a deeply passionate and compassionate man who cherished his family above all else. Please know that though there is great physical distance between us that you all are carried close in our heart throughout this challenging time.

All our love, Eric, Jackie, Sam, Noah, Sophie and Lily

Eric Borin
December 16, 2020
Dear Shefsky, Froeter and Feldman Families,

I am so deeply sorry for your loss and everyone's loss who had the joy of knowing Uncle Laury. He was one of the genuinely good people of the world.
It is no surprise that he had so many long term friendships spanning decades. Who wouldn't want to have him for a friend and cherish him
I will miss his laughter, his joy at the Seder table and his love for his "child bride" and his family. He was always genuinely interested in what I had to say--whether it was about politics (of course) or anything happening in my life.
He will be so missed.
Love,
Sherry

Sherry Simon
December 17, 2020
We will all miss Laurie, one of the nicest men in the world. I will look back fondly on our talks about bridge and politics. They were great, his politics were perfectly aligned.

My deepest sympathy for your loss

Tom

Tom Unterman
December 17, 2020
It is a rare thing to feel shocked when a 99-year-old man passes away. But that is what I felt when I heard about Uncle Laury. He was too active, too engaged, too joyful,just too full of life. Uncle Laury was one of the first people I always looked for at family events. Talking politics with him was a highlight of the evening but so was everything else with him (I'm so happy he lived to see this election). The interest he showed in me was genuine. I could feel it deep down. I wish I had more time with him to experience his warmth, kindness and wisdom. But I will always have those memories of him at the Feldsky Seders, surrounded by friends and family. Those gatherings did not happen by accident. They had their origin in a lifetime of love, work and service that Uncle Laury passed down to his children, grandchildren and all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Uncle Laury was one of the rare, truly decent men in the world. I am grateful to have known him. May his memory be for a blessing.

Benjamin Simon
December 17, 2020
Dear Elaine and family,

Laurie was very special. Always a warm smile, quiet and understated but with great depth. And a true mensch in the fullest sense of that word. And a perfect lifetime partner for my favorite cousin. May you be comforted by a very long lifetime of warm memories. המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים

Norman Abrams
December 18, 2020
Jay and family
I did not have the good fortune to have met Laury, that is until today. I wish we had met sooner. As the service progressed and I heard Laury described it evoked in me memories of my dad who died in 2003. My dad and Laury shared many traits in common. "mensch" aptly described both of them. They had a lot in common and I'm sure they would have hit it off. In fact, they had much in common. It was a lovely service. Be well.

Michael Davidson
December 18, 2020
Jay and family
I did not have the good fortune to have met Laury, that is until today. I wish we had met sooner. As the service progressed and I heard Laury described it evoked in me memories of my dad who died in 2003. My dad and Laury shared many traits in common. "mensch" aptly described both of them. They had a lot in common and I'm sure they would have hit it off. In fact, they had much in common. It was a lovely service. Be well.

Michael Davidson
December 18, 2020
My memories of Laury go back to the days when as a young boy I grew up with him as a role model. His interests in politics influenced my early days and conversations we had in the late 1940's and early 1950's came to mind as I watched the service today (Friday). I remembered my father who called Laury Joseph Cotton after the movie star he remembered, I remembered my mother's love of her younger brother and I remembered the whole Shefsky clan gathered for a Seder or some other celebration at which Laury's conversation often held sway. So many memories flood my mind as I think of this dear relative, friend, role model. He will be missed.

Lyle Schwartz
December 18, 2020
Aunt Elaine, Jay, Julie & Family,

It is hard to believe and deeply saddening that Uncle Laury is gone. He will be dearly missed. As difficult as it is for me to process, I can only imagine how difficult it is for those closest. Our hope is that the good and plentiful memories will keep us all strong. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and we love you!

-Corey, Diane, Josh & Alyssa

Corey Borin
December 18, 2020
Time of Reflection;
Whether you were with immediate family or alone while attending the heartwarming service for Laury, this was a time for reflection. His family shared with us memories we might not have known and meant so much to hear. After the ceremony my family, as I imagine most of yours, reminisced about fond memories Laury made with us and how he touched our lives. I agree with all the references to my beloved Uncle as a MENSCH. I would like to add two other phrases I think of when fondly remembering my mothers closest sibling.
MINDFUL & HUMBLE - I've long recognized what an attentive listener Uncle Laury was. During conversations I always felt he was completely focused on what I was saying. He was Mindful - "in the moment". Nothing or no one else existed. It was just the two of us. I have never experienced anyone as empathic. Uncle Laury was also soft spoken, but when he had something to say, it was so meaningful - insightful and stuck with me.
I'm proud to be a Shefsky and possess some of the same DNA to have the inherent ability to strive to emulate my Uncles admirable characteristics, along with the love of chocolate.
While we grieve the passing of the role model of a mensch, let us equally celebrate his life and how he enriched ours.
Laury Shefsky will continue to be with us for as long as we carry his memory.

B-Well, Wayne, Tracy, Taylor & Spencer

Wayne Borin
December 18, 2020
The passing of a great man...
Every time I was with Laury I learned how to be a better person. He was the rare individual who is so emotionally present that having a conversation with Laury made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. I used to marvel at his grace and consideration of people even in the heat of a political discussion. Not once did I see him lose his temper, he just patiently made space for others to share their opinions. A true tzaddik. May G-d comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Judy Schlaeger
December 19, 2020