Shirley Lehrer died on May 6, 2026 at the age of 96. She was born on July 22, 1929 in Los Angeles where she lived, married, raised her daughters, and worked alongside her husband in the family business started by her husband of 76 years, Seymour Lehrer, who died earlier this year. She enjoyed spending time in natural environments — particularly Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks — and appreciated international travel as well.
The Lehrers retired in 1991 and settled in Montecito, where Shirley became active at the Music Academy of the West. She was a member of the Music Academy Auxiliary and participated in its various fund-raising activities. She was a devotee of classical music and art, and philanthropically supported the Music Academy, the Santa Barbara Symphony, Opera Santa Barbara, CAMA, State Street Ballet, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. She was also a generous supporter of many other Santa Barbara non-profit organizations including Congregation B’nai B’rith, Cottage Hospital, Hillel at UCSB, and the Jewish Federation.
Shirley is survived by her daughters Karen Lehrer (Steve Sherwin) and Ellen Lehrer Orlando (Tom Orlando), and by her grandson Brett Orlando, her great grandchildren, Mia and Julian Orlando, and her sister, Doris Schaffer.
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