Obituary: Rachel Benbenisty Shemaria

Rachel Benbenisty Shemaria, 93, of Atlanta, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Nov. 21, 2019. She was born June 16, 1926, in a house on Central Avenue (the future site of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium). She was the fifth and youngest child of Matilda and Moreno Benbenisty.

Rachel was a 1944 graduate of Atlanta’s Commercial High School. An avid reader, Rachel was an honor roll student, newspaper staff editor and spelling bee champion. Upon graduation, she entered the workforce as an executive secretary and held positions at Maryland Baking Company and the Georgia Brewers Association.

Rachel married Jack Shemaria Nov. 11, 1951, Veterans Day, in Atlanta. Married for 63 years, she led a life full of love and mutual affection with her husband Jack, who passed away in 2015. They had three sons, a loving extended family and numerous friends at their beloved Congregation Or VeShalom. Their life together was filled with laughter, travel and social activities.

Rachel is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Barry and Nancy Shemaria, Merrill and Carolyn Shemaria, and Mark and Gwen Shemaria; and grandchildren Brooke, Justin, Natalie, Jacqueline and Margo. She also leaves behind brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Louie and Iris Shemaria, and Hymie and Sukey Shemaria; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service was held Nov. 24 at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bennie and Matilda Shemaria Fund at Or VeShalom or the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999. Sign online guest book at www.edressler.com.

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