Shirley Verier

On Monday, November 24th, 2025, Shirley Verier passed away peacefully, just days shy of 103-years-old. One of six girls, Shirley was the last to make her exit, leaving her everlasting mark on the world and all who were lucky enough to know her. Shirley’s kindness was unmatched. She cared deeply about the well-being of all people and lived her life fully instilled with the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, making the world a better place. She loved music and dancing--never missing a beat--and could always be found in the center of the dance floor. The life of every party, friends grew to rely on her wit and her charm, her ability to breathe life into every room she walked into. She harnessed the wisdom of a sage, the soul of a saint, and the tenderness of a mother. Entering her orbit felt like a gift. Her generous spirit made everyone feel welcome and loved, which led many to discover a bonus mom and grandma. Shirley received her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University. She spent the majority of her career as a Physical and Health Education teacher for middle school students in Detroit, Michigan. Until her last days, she was able to act as coach for her family and friends, exhibiting an impressive understanding of how to teach body mechanics and strategy. Shirley met her great love, Sidney Verier, when she was 14-years-old and he was 18-years-old. They married and raised three daughters: Marlene Paskel (Verier), Andrea Verier, and Lori Verier. They shared a remarkable love that ended too soon when Sidney died at the age of 60. Shirley retired to Sarasota, Florida, where she spent the remainder of her active life. In 2010, Shirley moved in with her daughter, Lori, and son-in-law, Brian, where she lived for 15 years. This became the hub for all family members and friends from near and far to visit her. Shirley approached life with moderation and balance. She knew how to live life, fought hard for the rights of others, and cared deeply for those in need. She never took more than she needed, she shared enthusiastically, and gave generously. She was a lifelong learner who valued critical thinking, loved a tough political debate, enjoyed the performing arts, and invested her time in relationships. Shirley is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Marlene and Clifford, Andrea and Scott, Lori and Brian; six grandchildren and their spouses: Eric and Rina, Lianne and Evan, Caren, Sidra, Leah and Fane, Nayda and Alex; nine great-grandchildren and their spouses: Briahna and Benny, Dustin, Ava, Jesse, Ella and Carter, Laila, Ava, Avi, Joah, Nomi; and one great-great-grandchild: Isaiah. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Sidney; her sisters: June, Dora, Mary, Ann, and Judy; her grandson-in-law David, and her beloved grandson, Justin. Shirley had faith in the goodness of people and made everyone around her feel capable of doing hard things. She left this earth having shared her wisdom, leaving each of us armed with the kindness and grit needed to face each day with the strong moral compass she exemplified. Please join the family as we sit Shiva on: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Verier-Dunn home--5446 Bent Oak Drive, Sarasota, FL 34232 Please consider a donation to support one of the many organizations that meant so much to Shirley: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research National Council for Jewish Women American Jewish World Service

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Shirley Verier

December 7, 1922 - November 24, 2025