Betty M. Terkel's Obituary
Betty Terkel, a shining example of spirit and joy, died on November 11, 2013, at the age of 88. Betty lived an active life as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend until the last week of her life.
Betty was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 6, 1925. Her mother, Nettie Rosenberg and her father, Meyr Berg married in 1924. Her father was a successful entrepreneur in the supermarket business until he died in a boating accident when Betty was 7 years old. Three years after Meyr’s death, Nettie married Victor Enoch, Meyr’s best friend. Victor adopted Betty, and became her adoring father for the rest of his life. Vic and Nettie owned the widely known restaurant, “Vic’s” - the home of St. Louis’s baby-back ribs. Betty grew up a princess of the city, living an idyllic life of dances, bike rides and family times.
Betty attended the University City Middle and High School in St. Louis. She was a cheerleader and the lead baton twirler in the school’s band. In her freshman year Betty met Sherwin Schilling, five years her senior. Sherwin swept Betty off her feet, and when she was 18, they married. Sherwin served in the Air Force during World War II, and afterwards Betty and Sherwin began their family with Denise, and then Scott five years later.
In 1962 the Schillings moved from St. Louis, Missouri to Livingston, New Jersey. In Livingston Sherwin assumed the position of Vice President of National Chemsearch, and Betty built a happy life of homemaking, friends, family times and country club living.
Denny and her husband Paul Feinsilver moved to Florida in 1973, and shortly after started Fmsbonds. A year later, Betty, Sherwin and their son Scott were all in Florida together. Here, Betty became grandmother to Corey and Zack Feinsilver, and then to Gesi and Max Schilling. Sherwin died in 1990, and Betty, two years later married Maury Terkel. Betty and Maury maintained a deep and profound love for all of their 22 years together. Betty’s daughter and best friend Denny, died from a long battle with cancer five weeks ago. Denny’s death broke Betty’s heart.
Betty was a tremendous dancer and valued rhythm to the extent that she cried tears of joy when she watched her children dance. She also loved to paint, and was a wonderful friend to her many close friends at Emerald Hills and then Boca Woods Country Club, where she played golf and canasta. Most important to Betty were all of the times spent with family at home and on vacation, always filled with laughter.
Betty is survived by her husband Maury Terkel, her son Scott Schilling and his wife Risa, her son in law Paul Feinsilver, her grandchildren Corey Feinsilver, Zack Feinsilver, Gesi Schilling and Max Schilling, and her great-grandson Dylan Jacob Shorr. All who knew you loved you. We will follow in the bright light you revealed with your energy, passion, and love.
Services for Betty Terkel will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Levitt Weinstein at Beth David, 3201 NW 72nd Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33024. Arranged by Levitt Weinstein NMB 305-932-2700.
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