Ethel Sherman

April 22, 1921 — Dec. 10, 2020 (age 99)

BOARDMAN — Ethel Sherman, 99, passed away peacefully in her own home on Thursday (Dec. 10).

She was born in Youngstown in 1921, the daughter of Benjamin and Gladys Harshman. She was one of nine children.

She grew up in Youngstown and graduated from South High School.

Ethel married Mannie Sherman in 1946 and they spent 47 wonderful married years together until his death in 1993.

Ethel is survived by her children Bruce Sherman (Carol) of Canfield and Sherry Sherman (Jeff Raz) of San Francisco; grandchildren Bryna Miller (Greg), Rachel Sherman (Phil Tierney), Micah Sherman-Raz and Joshua Sherman-Raz; great-grandchildren Matthew Miller, Samantha Miller, Sarah Sherman and Jacob Sherman; a sister, Sarah Rosenzweig; a brother, Morton Harshman (Barbara); sisters-in-law Florence Harshman and Joan Harshman; and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members.

For more than 30 years, Ethel was the office manager for her brother, Abe Harshman, a well-known CPA in the Youngstown community. After Abe's death, she continued to work as a bookkeeper with her son, Bruce, and most recently she worked with HD Davis, CPAs.

Ethel always credited her excellent physical health and youthful appearance to her many years of walking, her active participation in Pilates classes at the YMCA and working out with her personal trainer, Chris.

Her mental acuity was enhanced by her love of crosswords, word finds and puzzling.

Ethel's greatest joy was her family and her dear friends of all ages. She was genuinely interested in everyone she met and would sit for hours listening to them talk about their lives and giving them sound advice.

She enjoyed attending Friday evening Sabbath services and holiday events at the temple where she would sit around the tables and share meals and conversation with fellow congregants.

She was also known for her famous homemade applesauce, kugel and macaroni and cheese which could not be replicated no matter how many of us tried. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always request these dishes, even while away at college.

Ethel was a member of Hadassah, Na'Amat and Rodef Sholom Sisterhood.

She was a member of Congregation Rodef Sholom for 65 years.

Due to COVID-19, private family services are being arranged by Shriver-Allison-Courtley Funeral Home for Tuesday (Dec. 15) at 1:30 at Rodef Sholom Cemetery. Visit the funeral home website for Zoom access.



The family requests contributions in memory of Ethel be made to "Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children's Center for Science and Technology, PO Box 1624, Youngstown Ohio 44501.

This story was originally published December 12, 2020 at 4:34 PM with the headline "Ethel Sherman."