Shirley Rich Tobolowsky (February 2, 1927-2026)

Shirley Tobolowsky, Age 99, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, surrounded by family, friends and the artwork she cherished. Shirley was raised in Chicago, Illinois, attended the University of Michigan, and received a Masters degree from SMU. Among the many honors she received for community service was the National Council of Jewish Women's Hannah G. Solomon Award. This national award recognized the many contributions she made to fight for change and the leadership she offered to numerous Dallas organizations, including Temple Emanu-El, the Senior Affairs Commission of Dallas, the Alzheimer's Alliance, Mental Health Association, Dallas Public Library, the Visiting Nurse Association and many other groups. The award describes her well: "Shirley's concern is people. She touches our lives with kindness, with care and wise counseling. Whether the needs are for family, strangers, or specific groups, each receives her particular kind of attention."

Shirley moved to Dallas from Chicago in the late 1940's to be with her sister Billie Stern Frauman, and met and married Edwin Tobolowsky, a Dallas native, who became her husband of 56 years. Until the very end of her life, she continued to cheer on the Cowboys and closely follow politics and the events of the world-always advocating for the change the world requires. As well she served as the host of many from her small apartment, to her residence at the Legacy, welcoming friends and family frequently to talk, visit and have spirited discussions.

She is survived by her daughter Emily Tobolowsky of Dallas, her son Mark Tobey, of Austin, daughter in law, Carol Alter, grandchildren Aaron Tobey, James Tobey, Sam Cummins, Emma Cummins and Bea Cummins, and many nieces and nephews, including Myra and Stuart Prescott, Debbie Tobolowsky, Julie and George Tobolowsky. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Edwin Tobolowsky and her sisters Mildred (Billy) Frauman and Lorraine Hoffman.

The family wants to acknowledge the kindness and devotion of her close friends, Kevin Wagner, David Mora, Cherie Zettel and Victoria Downing, as well as Shon Wilson and Margaret Mpezeni as well as Beth Siegel and all of the caregivers and staff at the Legacy at Midtown Park.

A memorial service will be held in the Stern Chapel of Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest Rd in Dallas at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 13, 2026. Contributions may be made to Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest Rd, Dallas TX 75225 (https://www.tedallas.org/), The Legacy at Midtown Park, 8280 Manderville Ln, Dallas, TX 75231 (https://thelegacyseniorcommunities.org/) or the charity of your choice.