Pesya Shal

Pesya Shal, April 12, 2020 of Holland, PA. Survived by many loving family and friends. Services and interment are private. Born in a Bellorussian shtetl on the outskirts of the Russian empire, her life spanned over times of poverty, revolutions, wars, persecution, and enormous hardship. The outside world never mattered - she had an enormous inner drive to freedom and security for herself and her family. Half of her family perished in the Holocaust. Pesya's strength, open heart, and boundless kindness brought a new family and a bigger one to her life. She accepted and took care of everyone. Her famous pilaf, her sumptuous cream puffs, her elaborate Napoleon are forever mentioned by people around the world who came across her hospitality. Taking care of others was her joy. Making sure her 80 years old daughter had eaten was the most pressing subject. She loved to cook, to eat, to enjoy and celebrate successes of her extended family, and to be useful and needed. Her passion saved the generations who fondly remember her warm hugs and kisses. She is survived by her daughter, Ida, and son, Lenny; her grandchildren: Vika, Zhenya, and Anya; her great-grandchildren: Leah, Naomi, Emma, Dina, and Zac; her nieces and nephews in Russia, Israel, and Argentina. The whole epoch has gone with her passing. Born on Pesach (holiday of liberation) and gone on Pesach 103 years later - she will be forever in our hearts. We love you, babushka Polya.