The Markow Family Tree

Irma Gudelsky Hirschman, age 92, passed away surrounded by loving family at home in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 30, 2021 after a long illness. Mrs. Hirschman was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 17, 1929. Following her brothers Albert and Jerome Gudelsky, Irma was the youngest child and only daughter of Henry and Lena Gudelsky. Her father called her his good-luck charm as the Great Depression descended on America that year, but mostly spared the Gudelsky family. She graduated from Forest Park High School and attended the University of Miami where she pursued a degree in marketing. She worked at an advertising firm in Miami, before completing her degree at the University of Maryland and later becoming a preschool teacher. She married Behrl Hirschman on August 2, 1953. She devoted her life to her late husband of forty-one years, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. Irma and Behrl had wonderful adventures, traveling the globe. She continued to travel well into her golden years, visiting her grandchildren at college across the country and the world. In her eighties, she volunteered at a local Florida elementary school’s literacy program, reading with young children. Her friends and family received the benefits of her talents as a hostess and cook, accomplished knitter, gardener, and art collector. She loved show tunes, golf, reading, and dancing. She is predeceased by her late husband, Berhl Hirschman; beloved son, Michael Hirschman; brothers Albert and Jerome Gudelsky; and sister-in-law, Audrey Gudelsky. She is survived by her children, Sandra (David) Spiegel; Marjorie (Charles) Nichols; Lawrence Hirschman; and daughter-in-law, Phyllis Hirschman; sister-in-law, Joan Gudelsky; grandchildren, Lauren (Gregory Karam) Spiegel, Jessica Spiegel; Emily (Roger) Wilkerson, Liza Nichols; Melissa Hirschman, Max (Tatiana Fontina) Hirschman; Evan Hirschman, and Benjamin Hirschman; and great-grandchildren, Ruby Karam and Emma Hirschman. Her family deeply appreciates the love and support shown to Bubbie during her final days. There will be a graveside service on Thursday, January 6, at 10 a.m. at King David Memorial Gardens in Falls Church, VA., broadcast available via zoom; and zoom shiva on Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.