David

DAVID SHONFIELD

David Shonfield’s life was on a steady track. After serving in World War II, he married Rita, the love of his life, and they had two daughters.  What started as a temporary stint in a lighting company back in his 20s became his place of employment for 43 years. For years, the Shonfields enjoyed their life as renters in a Brookline two-family house. 

Then, their luck began to turn. Rita’s health started to fail.  His employer sold the company, leaving David jobless. The Shonfields were uprooted from their apartment when their landlord put it on the market.  They moved in with their daughter for two years. “I always thought I was so secure, but I discovered there’s no such thing,” reflects David.  Even as he faced these unsettling situations, David maintained good humor and a sense of balance. 

They solved their housing dilemma in 1994 with a move to JCHE’s Genesis House. They enjoyed several good years together, until Rita’s illness progressed.  Sadly, in 2003, she was unable to rebound.  David was able to make the transition to life alone largely because he was already well settled at JCHE.

Today, at 86, David continues to approaches his days with levity and evenness.  A self-described preacher, he shares wisdom about enjoying life’s little but essential components.  Life at JCHE is good. He participates in a current events group.  He caringly checks in on JCHE staff and always brings them treats for Purim.  His apartment is conveniently near his shul, his brothers, and his daughters.  Frequently, he buys a bouquet of flowers for his dining room.  “Rita loved flowers.  They were a small thing that made her happy.”  They are a lovely reminder of their years together.