Shirley G. Kestenman

DATELINE: PROVIDENCE

Kestenman, Shirley G., 89, of LaurelMead, died peacefully Friday, May 19, 2017 at home. She was the beloved wife of the late Milton Rigelhaupt and the beloved wife of the late S. Samuel Kestenman.  Born in Portsmouth, VA, a daughter of the late Jerome and Lenore (Glazer) Goodman, she was a longtime resident of Pawtucket, Providence, and Narragansett RI as well as, Boca Raton, FL. Shirley graduated from Ohio State University and worked as a social worker at Meeting Street School in Providence, R. I. She was a lifetime member of Temple Emanu-El and for 15 years served as curator of their museum. She was also a life member of Hadassah, National Council of Jewish Women and the Brandeis Committee.  Devoted mother of Nancy Rigelhaupt Smith and her husband, Howard, of Newton, MA, Gail Rigelhaupt of West Warwick, RI, Jane Rigelhaupt -Shapiro of Houston, TX, Sally Ralen and her husband, John, of Framingham, MA, David Kestenman and his wife, Zandra, of Bloomington, IN, and Judy Wheeler and her husband, John, of Great Barrington, MA. Dear sister of the late Elise Broming and Martin Goodman and his wife, Elaine. Dear sister in law of the late Helene Handelman and husband William. Companion of the late Samuel Ochlis and more recently of Jim  Peterman both of Boca Raton, FL.  Loving grandmother of Ben, Avi, Sarah, Emily, Ethan, Max, Mira, Hannah, Luke, Jesse and Ava. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, on the corner of Sessions St. and Morris Ave., Providence. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Jewish Family Service, 959 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904, Museum  Fund  c/o Temple Emanu-El 99 Taft Ave., Providence, R.I. 02906 or Milton Rigelhaupt scholarship fund at Brown University or charity of your choice. Shiva will be observed at her late residence, 355 Blackstone Blvd. Providence on Monday from 7-9pm, Tuesday 11-4pm and 7-9pm and Wednesday 2-4pm and 7-9 pm. Evening minyan will be Monday and Tuesday at 6:30pm. Shiva will also be observed at the home of Nancy and Howard Smith 504 Ward Street, Newton, MA beginning Tuesday evening at 7pm and continuing through Sunday morning May 28.

3 Comments

  1. bARBARA sCHWARTZ
    May 21, 2017

    I knew your Mom very well.She was a peferect lady,warm and caring.everyone like Mom.She will be missed.Love to you all.Barbara Schwartz

  2. marjorie diaco
    May 22, 2017

    Your mother will be missed by many. She was loved by many people. She was a great friend. I will miss her dearly. my deepest sympathy.
    Marjorie Diaco

  3. David Wasserman
    May 22, 2017

    My condolences to everyone. Your mom, grandmother and friend will forever light up one’s life!!!

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