NSU Community Mourns Loss of Shirley B. Fischler (1926-2022)

The Nova Southeastern University community is mourning the loss of Shirley Balter Fischler, who died on May 30, 2022. She was the beloved wife and partner of deceased Dr. Abraham “Abe” Fischler, a former president and president emeritus at NSU.

Shirley Fischler was always involved in the community, especially at NSU, where she was one of the university’s first faculty members. The Fischlers were married for 67 years before his death in April 2017.

Shirley Fischler had a lifelong thirst for learning. She graduated from Brooklyn College and became a French and Spanish teacher. Languages and international events remained a keen interest and focus throughout her life, as she enjoyed travels in the U.S. and abroad. Later, she became a member of NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law charter class. Following graduation, she practiced law for many years before retiring.

Two of Shirley Fischler’s strongest attributes were her strength and optimism. She inspired many people, particularly girls and women, to pursue lives and careers on their own terms and to never give up.

Shirley Fischler spent her early years in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she met Abraham Fischler over a handball match in Coney Island. The two married in 1949, their lifelong partnership was dedicated to family, friends, and community, and making the world a better place for all. The Fischler family moved from New York to Boston to Berkeley and, ultimately, to South Florida. During more than 45 years, she and her husband embraced and enjoyed South Florida as strong supporters of community organizations as well as dedicated theater goers and sports enthusiasts.

Shirley Fischler is survived by her children Bruce (Martha), Michael (Anita), and Lori; her grandchildren Kenneth, Danielle (Micheal), and Mikaela; and great-grandchildren J.P. and Ava. In addition, Shirley is survived by her sisters Beverly Stier and Eleanor Sugerman, and brother-in-law Hubert Fischler (Patti), and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Abraham and Shirley Fischler Scholarship Fund at Nova Southeastern University or the Fischler Family Scholarship Fund at the NSU Shepard Broad College of Law, or to a charity of your choice.

Posted 06/02/22