Shirley Asnis

My mom, Shirley Asnis, lived a life full of friendships, humor, love, and a commitment to social justice. Born in May 1921, she was active all her life in “fighting the good fight.”  From her early years in Chicago to adult years in New York and later years in Oakland, she was involved in working on progressive social issues: anti-fascist, labor struggles, civil rights, anti-war, feminism, anti-nuke, health care, and finally, always a proud advocate and supporter of me as a lesbian and the LGBT community.

Politics and action for social change were always a part of my mom’s life: as a child, I remember going with her to a demonstration to protest the execution of the Rosenbergs. She taught me about money, race, class and power in this country, and always had a vision for the changes needed to make our society more just.  She put her vision into action, demonstrating and marching, phone-calling, signing petitions, always open to learning about new aspects of the struggle for justice.  Through our shared critique of Israel and my own political work for Palestinian self-determination and against the Israeli occupation, she developed a deeper interest and commitment to this as well.
 
Mom was an early childhood teacher in New York City, and continued working with children after retirement, going into homes to develop reading readiness with under-served pre-schoolers and families.  I used to watch my mom interact with children, and notice the extraordinary way in which she engaged them, drew them out, and made them feel comfortable.  Later I realized how many adults felt this same way with her, that when she spoke to them, it was with her full attention and interest.
 
Mom’s family and friends were supremely important: her close relationship with her two sisters and their families, her relationships with my dad and his family, and the many vibrant, vital friendships she developed and sustained until the very end of her life in June 2009.

Her relationship with my sister and myself was loving and supportive, though she also pushed us to face life realistically.  Of course she and I had our struggles throughout the years, but we came to speak openly and honestly to each other, and to support each other deeply as friends.
Her commitment to learning and her compassionate outlook were often a model for me. Her life was full of a love of beauty and meaning in books, art, theater, film, music, and nature, especially the ocean. Her openness to people was remarkable; she continuously learned from and about every person she met.  In fact, it’s hard for me to remember much that didn’t engage my mom, except perhaps for cold weather and sweet sweets.
 
Mom visited the Women’s Building with me years before she moved out here; she loved the murals and the spirit of the building. She would be honored to be here on the walls, celebrating and being celebrated by a community of strong women dedicated to justice.

Honored by Deni Asnis