June 11, 2024
Mildred M (Merves) Fisher of Sarasota, FL, passed away peacefully at Linden Ponds in Hingham, MA, on June 8, 2024, just two weeks after celebrating her 100th birthday. She was born on May 26, 1924, to the late Jack and Jean (Kaplan) Merves of Philadelphia, PA. Affectionately known as Millie, she and her younger brother Stanley grew up in Philadelphia. After graduating from West Philadelphia High School in 1941, Millie attended Temple University where she was a member of the Historical Honor Society, Business Education Club, and chaplain and treasurer of the Phi Delta Tau sorority. She graduated from Temple University’s Teachers College with a degree in education in 1945.
In 1947 she married Harold L. Fisher, then a captain in the U.S. Army. Mildred and Harold first made their home in Philadelphia, followed by moving to the surrounding suburbs. Mildred taught social studies and English in the Philadelphia high schools and later worked in school administration for Lower Merion Township, PA. Mildred and Harold had two children whom they loved and cherished. Later in life Mildred continued her own education at Villanova University where she earned a Master’s degree in education. She was selected to be a featured speaker at the University’s commencement ceremony in May 1979.
In 1983 Mildred and Harold moved to Siesta Key, FL, to be close to their daughter, Lisheyna Hurvitz, and her family. They enjoyed the beach life and spending time with their grandchildren. Mildred was active in the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and was elected president of the Sarasota-Manatee Section. She was also an officer and director of the Gulf & Bay Club Condominiums of Siesta Key. Starting in 2007 Mildred and Harold began commuting between Sarasota and Linden Ponds in Hingham to be close to their son, Joseph Fisher, and his family.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life for 62 years, Harold, in 2009, and by her dear brother Stanley Merves in 2021. She is survived by her daughter Lisheyna Hurvitz of Sarasota and by her son Joseph Fisher and his wife Laura Fisher, of Hingham. Millie was “Nana” to her grandchildren David Hurvitz and his wife Naoko Hurvitz, Rachael Mandell and her husband Andrew Mandell, Rebecca Fisher and her husband Max Resnick, and Benjamin Fisher. She was great-grandmother to Stevie, Noah, Theo, Leo and Louie, plus one more on the way. Mildred is also survived by her brother’s dear wife, Audrey Merves, and by beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held Friday morning, June 14, at 10:30 at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom, 1112 Main St, Hingham, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mildred’s name to the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Sarasota- Manatee Section, or to the Resident Care Fund at Linden Ponds, Hingham, MA.