Ruth Frances Sher-Nirenstein

Ruth Frances Sher Nirenstein died peacefully at her home in Springfield, Massachusetts on May 17th. She was 89 years old. Born in Boston, MA to Dr. David and Sara Sher on May 2, 1936, she was then raised in Marlboro, MA, the oldest of five children: two sisters, Joyce and Elaine; and two brothers, Myles and Harvey. They grew up in a house that she loved, on the corner of West Main Street and Pleasant St., which she spoke of often, with great affection. Growing up, Ruth spent her summers in Millis, Massachusetts, helping her beloved grandparents, Reva and Shepsel, at their hotel, The Novick Hotel. Here she helped her family cater to their patrons. She would also spend time at Revere Beach with her Aunt Babs, Uncle Matty, and cousins, Marjorie and Jimmy. Ruth majored in anatomy and physiology at UMASS Amherst, where she completed her Bachelor's degree. While at Umass, she was the lead performer in the synchronized swimming group, The Naiads. Ruth championed against female stereotypes. She was accepted into two medical schools; but decided to pursue a Master's Degree at Boston University. There, as one of the few women among a mostly all-male student body, she studied, wrote, and lectured about the biophysics of heart muscle, teaching first-year medical students and nurses. Ruth reported her research on muscle contraction at the Biophysical Society's conference in New York City. She also taught at Smith and Mt. Holyoke, and studied at Woods Hole after receiving a fellowship. She married David Joel Nirenstein in 1959. Together, they had four children: Dina, Deborah, Dana, and Leslie. Sadly, Dana passed away in 1973, at just 9 months old, from a congenital heart defect. Losing Dana left Ruth and David devastated. Ruth decided to continue teaching. She lectured and taught physics and chemistry labs at STCC and Western New England College, and physics lab and astronomy at American International College. She continued to teach until age 79. She was adamant in her philosophy that all students, regardless of background or ability, could learn. A talented artist, she left behind many paintings in watercolor and oil. Most were landscapes, but she also painted barn houses and portraits. She spent her years of retirement gardening, doing yard work, feeding wildlife, (particularly birds) and enjoying family. Ruth leaves behind her daughters Dina Ann, Deborah Sharon, and Leslie Nicole and their spouses; her two surviving siblings, Elaine and Harvey, five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Ruth was predeceased by her husband David in 1998.
Services will be held on Tuesday, May 27th at 1 pm, at the Ascher Zimmerman funeral home on Sumner Avenue in Springfield, MA., followed by burial at Beth Israel cemetery in West Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Audubon Society, 225 Varick Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10014 www.audubon.org -- or the American Heart Association, at www.heart.org , PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, or call 1-800-242-8721.