| Graduation Year | Class of 1936 |
| Date of Passing | Sep 24, 2017 |
| About | Shufro, Jean Keller (December 16, 1918 – September 24, 2017) Jean Keller Shufro was born to Jacob and Bessie Kalika Keller in Chelsea, MA, lived in Medford and Needham, Massachusetts, and in Gainesville, Florida, but she called Mobile, Alabama her home since 1984. Mrs Shufro began writing poetry at nine years of age and was first published in The Boston Post while still in high school. In 1936, she was chosen as Class Poet of her Medford High School graduating class. The following stanza from her Class Poem “The Awakening of the Soul” reflects the way she lived her life: The beauty one sees in nature can be found in the human heart For unselfish thoughts and happiness are never found apart, And though the skies are dark and drear and the world a gloomy place, One can carry one’s thoughts along with one to light up a downcast face. Mrs Shufro was the youngest girl in a family of ten children during the Depression; to help support her family she put aside her dream of attending college and studying journalism. However, she continued to write poetry which was published in The Boston Post and other periodicals. She worked for the Boston Gas Company, Wellesley College, and for the University of Florida. Everyone who knew her was drawn to her thoughtful, generous nature. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and was a caring and gracious friend. She spent her life focused on the happiness of others. She enjoyed traveling, was a gourmet cook and baker, and was skilled in needle-arts. She continued to read and write passionately until her last days. In 1939, journalist Carl Alpert asked her to write a poem - which she entitled “The Truth” - for him to include in The Jewish Advocate’s educational pamphlet “Telling the Truth about the Jews.” It still remains on file at both the Boston Public Library and the New York City Public Library. The Truth The Fate, that guides Man’s destiny From birth, to earth’s reclaiming Portends his creed, his race, his hue, His parentage, his naming. Decrees the part he takes in life, The manner of his calling, Unwanted cares, the joys he seeks, His rising or his falling. Lights his eyes, bequeaths his soul With love and Truth and God And at the close of the living day Returns him to the sod. The strength that men were given Was meant to build, not break. Their love for fellow mortals Was meant to give, not take. Their eyes to see the beauty, Not sordidness in life. Their ears to heed the Truth alone, Not lies, to cause men strife. Their souls to rise above the dusk Where men oft grope in vain To find a sanctity of Peace Once lost – beyond reclaim. Thus, hand in hand, alike we stand Each man to grasp his torch With gifts of peace, good will and love To kindle – not to scorch. Not race, nor creed, nor color, Not health, nor wealth, nor fame Can dim the Truth that God alone Can make us all the same. Mrs. Shufro was preceded in death by her husband, Harmon Saul Shufro, and nine siblings: Rose Millins, Sally Jaffe, Fay Jasen, Anna Goodman, Helen Golden, Mamie Rothschild, I. Harry Keller, Matthew "Morris" Keller and Abraham Samuel “Babe” Keller. She is survived by three daughters: Marjorie Shufro Altmayer (Jay P. Altmayer II), Ellie May Shufro (Will Murdock), and Barbara Shufro Reilly (John Reilly); her six grandchildren: Pamela Gilboard Fleming (Christopher), Mark Gilboard (Kristen) Jennifer Antoinette Rosalie Altmayer, Joshua Pollock Altmayer, David Harmon Altmayer, Eva Rose Balog (Cameron); C. Lee DeVine; and six great-grandchildren. Because Mrs. Shufro always tried to inspire a passion for literature in others, if you so desire, please honor her memory by making a donation to a public library of your choosing. |
