Saw your mom at the San Jose History Park last summer. Everybody there loved her. At one point she started leading us all in song. She was a special lady with enthusiasm for life. Tom G., San Jose
Tony, Alyte and I were saddened to hear of
Edies passing. We
met her last October at the Full Disclosure breakfast at the LA Yacht
Club. We
were so charmed by her and she graciously spent some time talking about
“The
Kiss” and the “25” men who claimed to be the kissers! She
said she didn’t want to burst any of their bubbles. She spoke of being
at
the unveiling of the famous statue of “The Kiss” in San Diego when we
asked.
Our daughter Alyte was going to school at UCSD and we had seen this
statue on
many occasions.
She was such an awesome lady! She will be
sorely missed.
Tony & Danute & Alyte
Mission Viejo,
CA.
Dear
Family of Edith,
I wanted to offer my condolences on your mom's passing. I was born
in 1946,
and remember looking through old magazines my dad, a career Army
officer, kept
for sentimental value. Of course I was fascinated at the picture of the
two
grown-ups who seemed to have lost all propriety, and asked my
grandmother about this. She replied "Honey, if you had been here during
that
war, you'd know why they were behaving that way. It was a great
celebration
and worth it."
I had wanted to be a nurse since I could remember so it appeared to
be all
the more romantic a career! From time to time as I grew up the picture
of your mother and the sailor would appear in magazines and in TV WWII
documentaries. I would see it, and wonder about the nurse: was she in
the
service? Was she a native New Yorker? What did she think about a sailor
scooping
her up and kissing her in the middle of the street? Perhaps he was her
boyfriend? Did she slap him afterwords? Where was her cap?
Then, in college, the photo appeared in several textbooks on
nursing
history. I got to feel as if I knew the young lady who was so abruptly
accosted
in the middle of Times Square. Being in my twenties at the time, I
wondered all
the more about how she felt, and how she happened to be there.
I'm a nurse practitioner today and teach nursing at Adelphi
University on
Long Island. I'll be 64 on 9/11 and have practiced nursing for more than
half my
life. Perhaps all of us have a little bit of Edie Shain in us...caught
in
unanticipated moments and trying to cope gracefully and professionally.
The
picture of your mother and the sailor is part of a collage of nurses
interacting
with patients and with others which I made and pass around to my class. I
call it "Real Life Nursing", and my students always want to know the
story
about your mom. I sent the hyperlink about her passing to them all.
God bless her soul, and God bless you all. I wish I'd known her
personally.
Samantha Gray, RN, MSN, ANP-c
I was blessed to meet
Edith at an American Veterans Center National Conference on Memorial day
in 2007. At that time I felt I had met a very very special icon of our
history. The young man who was her aide showed such respect that I
knew I had been in the presence of a wonderful woman.
Edith continued to shine and I watched
her from afar with much awe and respect for a legend who was dedicated
to our Veterans. She made a difference in her life - from the day that
photograph was taken to the day she moved on to higher callings. I feel
very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and know Edith. We
have all been blessed by this very gentle woman.
In Patriotism and In Peace,
A. J. Herran
National Chaplain, Ladies Auxiliary
Military Order of the Purple Heart
To Edith’s Family:
I have been employed by Time Incorporated
for the last 25
years starting in the New York
headquarters and then moving to the Los Angeles Offices. LIFE magazine
was a
Time Inc. publication so I’ve spent the last 25 years walking the halls
of
Time Inc. and seeing many classic LIFE photos. The famous photo of the
Time Square
kiss is up in both offices. Here in LA it’s in a prominent spot in our
Main conference room. When I hear the news of Edith’s passing I tagged
the photo with a photo of a Flower and the words Rest in Peace, Edith.
Attaching
a photo.
My deepest sympathy to her family and family
of friends.
Colleen Dodson-Baker
Assistant to VP Corporate
Sales
I would be honored to attend the Celebration of
Life honoring Edith Shain. As a veteran of the Vietnam conflict and the
son of a World War II vet, I am forever indebted to those who have
served and those who welcomed us home.
If a request is made by the family, I’m sure the
Patriot Guard Riders would attend and provide a flag line in honor of
Edith’s status to all veterans. Please feel free to contact me about
this and I can get you in touch with the appropriate folks.
She
was an inspiration to Americans and most recently, an
unmistakable icon to the patriotic spirit of our United States.
Edith Shain duties are done on earth but she is now at the right
side of god,she looking down on us.
Edith Shain maybe gone but never forgotten god bless her and her
families
and the USA
thank you
my
daughter has that poster in her bedroom - she is 17 and she selected it
3 months ago when she came out of the hospital...it made her feel good
again. Thank you.
I first met Edith Shain in 1978 while on a TIME magazine assignment to photograph children at the Hancock Park elementary School in Los Angeles. The class selected was my daughter, Annie's, first grade class where Edie was teaching. While shooting the photos, Edie asked me if I knew Life magazine photographer Alfred Esienstaedt, because, as she explained, he had taken her photo in Times Square in 1945. At that time she did not claim to be the subject of his famous photo, but was just making conversation with me. As she explained to me, quite a few sailors and GIs were grabbing girls and kissing them in the celebration of the moment. I encouraged her to write Eisenstaedt which she later did. However there was no doubt in my mind that Edie was the nurse in the Eisenstaedt's photo. The nurse is very petite, being almost lifted off her feet by the towering sailor, Eddie, standing on her toes was barely four and a half feet tall. I also knew Alfred Eisenstaedt, and saw him again, with Edie, in 1991 when he came out to Los Angeles to promote his book. She was invited, as his special guest, to the reception in Beverly Hills of his exhibit and book signing. Over the years Eddie became close friends of our family and was a guest at all our major family events, including my daughter's wedding in 2004. I would learn later that we were just one of many families of former students she stayed in contact with over the years. I always introduced her as my "daughter's first grade teacher", with the iconic photo being a secondary note. The VJ photo in reality had little to do with the dynamics of our relationship. Edie was just this wonderful outgoing and giving person, and we consider ourselves so lucky to have been a part of her life, and her a very important part of ours. She was an energetic personality with a sharp sense of humor and a laugh that would light up a room. When someone once asked Edie, "Who would want to live to be ninety?" Edie - who at the time was Eighty-eight, quickly replied, "Someone who is eighty-nine," followed by that wonderful laugh that rolled up and out of her tiny frame. She is deeply missed.
I stood Sunday at a Topeka, KS Pizza restaurant, and saw the famous photo on the wall. I stood admiring it. I had seen the photo in many places many times before that. It always caught my fancy. I work in radio news, but I am also an avid Photographer.....I prefer the journalistic style of photography, which is what Alfred Eisenstadt was doing when he snapped the famous photo. I have always had a connection with the picture, taken long before I was born. When I stood there Sunday it struck me again. I even tried to figure out why it attracted me so much. I smiled as I stared, even as I smile now at the thought of the incredible, timely, passionate, iconic photo. Today is Thursday and I just now learned of the death of the woman in the picture, who was a mystery to me until now. I also just now realized that the day I stood and stared was the day Mrs Shain passed away. I mourn your loss and send my love and sympathy. I plan to learn more about who she was. God Bless your family and may you find comfort in the fact that many many people around the world mourn with you. Michelle Tessaro, News Director KCLY/KFRM Radio
I am so sorry to hear about her death. The strange thing was I was at the San Diego kiss statue beside the USS Midway when I got the news she had passed away. It seemed appropriate for that to happen, it was my first visit to the statute and I got a great photo of it. May God bless her! Greg Musgrove, Atlanta, GA
Don't know if anyone has told you this, but we have a gigantic statue (10 ft) of the nurse and sailor in Hamilton NJ. It is located across from the train station.
I have always loved the picture of your mother and the sailor and I have a copy framed in my home. I can't imagine the joy and happiness our country felt that wonderful day. My father was in the army in WWII and he came home early with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. I loved to hear the stories he told of war and the friendships and hardships he experienced. I am sure your mother had many stories and experiences she shared with you. What a wonderful way to be immortalized on such a special day in our history. I am sorry for your loss, may God bless. Sincerely, Jackie (Ulrich) BradyAkron, NY
Please accept my sincerest sympathy in the passing of Edith. Although I wasn't alive in 1945, I can recall first seeing the iconic photo of Edith and the sailor at a very young age and being deeply impacted by the image. As I found later in life, Edith was a truly charismatic force and I know that you will miss her presence in your life, just as I know that she will live forever in your hearts. I know she will in mine.
John H Baker Operations Manager/Program Director WGLF Cumulus Tallahassee
I have lived here since 1984. The addition of the most wonderful sculpture of 'The Most Famous Kiss' ......is a MUST SEE for anyone visiting San Diego. It is nothing short of fabulous. Located just south of the aircraft carrier Midway.I believe she was chosen to be at the right place and the right time for the most 'Right' Photograph of all time.Godspeed Edith. Thank You for a wonderful heartfelt image. Jim Fudge ---San Diego CA
Our VJDay icon Edith Shain passed away today at the age of 91. For those who met her atthe museum early last year, it was an honor and pleasure to meet such a very nice ladywho just happened to be in Times Square on VJ Day and was (of course) swooped down upon.. by a sailor, kissed briefly, but recorded on film forever. To this day, no one knows the sailor's name and his whereabouts is unknown. Edith made many inquires as to hisidentity, but to no avail.
Nurse Edith Shain, gone, but never to be forgotten. So when youare in the neighborhood of the USS MIDWAY, stop for a minute or two on the grounds nearthe port side of the ship and pay your respects to a beloved icon now in sculpture form, and whom like the image on paper will stand captured at that "decisive moment" in time, for many generations to share. . Thank you, Nino Martinez
So many heroes of that era have gone to their greater reward.... America was made great by their presence and is diminished by their passing. The joy and exuberance of youth and promise of a bright future were manifested in that iconic photo of this lovely lady and young serviceman. My parents were of that generation... My mother a nurse and my Dad a returning WW II hero (Two bronze stars and numerous unit citations) and I often thought that this photo symbolized them so perfectly.God bless Mrs. Shain and all those like her. May she rest in peace and her loved ones take comfort in the knowledge that she will forever be remembered as a symbol of hope and happiness. Bob Petrone
HI just came across this in a news report...and wanted to say that your Mom was and will be a major part of history...they have the picture at the VA Home in Chula Vista where my Dad is...and I wish I could have met her. I am sorry to hear of her passing....just wanted to let you know I'll remember her...
I just wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to Edith Shain's family. I was only six years old in 1944, but I can tell you that I always remembered seeing this great photograph. My uncles were in WWII, and I remember when they came home.....all the happiness we felt. Whenever I came across this photo, it brings me such happy memories of a wonderful time. Seeing Edith's photograph is so nice....she was a stunning woman. Thank you , Angela Bencivenga
Our war was Vietnam....but there is not a single VA nurse who has not been kissed like that vicariously through that photo. It was truly all the thanks we ever needed! It was our honor to care for Vets. I think we got more from them than they got from us.... ............she will be missed.
I grew up loving this photo. I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. This photo is something you can treasure all of your lives to help you know how special your mom was. There were thousands of ladies who might have had their picture taken that day but your mom was picked out to celebrate such a grand moment in US History. She must have been beautiful for the sailor to have grabbed her the way he did. But, I'm sure she was beautiful to you as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Thanks for sharing her with the world.
Dear Shain Family, I was saddened to hear of the loss of your mother... We have a daily reminder of your mother in San Diego. Next to the Midway Museum is a 30 foot tall statue of the "famous kiss." Each time I pass it, I think of the joy of that moment felt by so many all around the world. Thank you for sharing your mother and her life with all of us. Sincerely, Cheri Black
Dear Edith FamilyThis was one of the nicest photos every taken at one of the better times inour country's history, your family should be very proud of your motherof what she stood for and accomplished in her life, she was a very amazingwomen.God Bless and keep her and her familyEverette Freeland
Hello, I am saddened to hear of the passing of your mom. I just wanted to share this picture I took while on vacation of the statue in San Diego CA of your mom. Please know you and your family are in my prayers. ~Sincerely, Ann R.Chicopee MA
Mrs. Shain was my favorite teacher at Hancock Park. She and my mother became very close friends and I am fortunate to have known Edith in my adult years. She was a wonderful woman. To Michael and the rest of the Shain family, my deepest sympathies and condolences. And hello to my Hancock Park classmates.
To the family or Edith Shain, I am saddened to learn of her recent passing. Like millions of others, I have seen the famous photograph from the Life Magazine cover. Being an amateur photographer, and a member of the military reserve, I have a soft spot in my heart for that particular photo. It summed up the jubilation everyone must have been feeling. I didn't know her personally, but to be a nurse and a teacher of young persons she had to be a great lady.She will be missed. I offer you my sympathy in this time of loss.David Downer
Dear Shain family I am sorry to hear of your loss and I will keep your mothers memories alive as I remember the joyous moment she shared with all of us on V-day. It is a memory I will keep with me forever. dave doyle
I was 16 years old , working in a shipyard in Portland , Oregon, when the war ended. The entire city erupted with joyful celebrations. Every military person was hugged and thanked. People were dancing in the streets. Of all of the subsequent photographs that were taken covering the celebrations , THIS one is the one that told the Best Story : they were both alive, we had won the war and peace would reign forever after.John DziakBellevue, WA
I am so glad to have the history of this lady. What a beautiful person she must have been. My daughter, now age 31, has always loved this picture. When she was in her 20s, her boyfriend bought this picture in a large size and had it framed for her birthday. She was delighted and has hung it up wherever she moved. You must be so proud of her and her accomplishments and the part she played in history (a happy one, which is rare). Our sincere condolences to the family and the world on her passing.... Janet Axel, NY
I wanted to write you to express my condolances on the loss of your mom. I didnt know your mom other than that iconic photograph, but it sits proudly on my desk at work and in my home office to remind me of "an epic moment in American history, one that inspired patriotism, unity, joy and a spontaneous national pride in victoriously ending the war." Until I read Michaels words from the news article, i couldnt never put my finger on how it made me feel, other than a swell of pride and swept up in the moment of joy. I have always been a big Eisie fan and a fan of your amazing mom for her part in American History. You and your family are in my prayers. Most sincerelyDadre McCreary Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I'm very sorry for your loss. Ms. Shain was an amazing person who lived her life helping those who needed help. I know she's in a better place now. When I think of the victory of WWII, I always remember the imagine of Ms. Shain and the sailor. It will forever be in my mind. The day the world was together and peaceful. Life can't be better knowing that your image is that powerful. Thank you, Ismael Carrasco
To the family of Edith Shain... Thank you for sharing the life of Edith with America.I'd the opportunity to speak with her on several occasions and her spirit and zest for life was contagious. Although her "moment-in-time" is seen by so many as a kiss in the moment, her entire life and those she touched with her kindness will be missed. Her moment frozen in time is a piece of American History and her life dedicated to serving others is a warm spot in my own heart.
So very sorry to hear of Edie's passing. Our hearts and prayers are with her forever. Edie visited the Veterans Museum and Memorial in the Old Balboa Chapel here in San Diego during an exhibit of her historic and iconic photo. It was a pleasure to meet her and to have her sign a calendar, which I will always hold honored and dear. This was early 2009. Please accept these photos of her "sightings" during her visit. Please credit photos to: Nino Martinez, vva472 I will send it several e mails...here are three. You may of course use them as you wish. Sincerely, Roland Nino Martinez Chapter 472 Vietnam Veterans of America see her on our site: vva472.org
I’m sorry to hear of Mrs. Shain’s passing she was my first teacher when my family moved to Los Angeles. I was one of many students who enjoyed being in your mom’s class at Hancock Park Elementary School. Our paths crossed many times over the last 40+ years as we ran into each other around the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and even San Diego where I currently live.
I have such wonderful fond memories of this lovely, petite, dynamo who’s smile would light up a room and had a zest for shoes and life!
Dear Michael and Justin, Sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. She was an inspiration to us all before her identity was known, continued after her identification and I'm sure after her passing. My thoughts are with you and my prayers to god requests him to bring her to his side with peace and love. Marc B.
Dear Shain Family: I am saddened and deeply sorry to hear of Edith's passing. As you might know, I represented her for various matters over the last several years and was extremely fond of her. She had so much character and a great attitude. I will truly miss her. Let me know if I can be of any assistance to your family. Best regards, Melissa
Hello: I am sorry to hear about Edith's passing. I met Edith through Adrian Cauceglia, who worked for me at the time. We had numerous dinners over the years together and as you know, she and Adrian were the life of the party. What a charming couple. Edith also became good friends with my Mother, who lived in Florida, and always made it a point to get together when my Mother came to visit, which my Mother always looked forward to. Edith & Adrian even went to Florida for a visit with her. I had also assisted Edith with some real estate loans over the years. Every time I spoke with Edith she was always wanting to know how my Son & Wife were and expressed how proud she was of her Grandchildren. She was one of the most caring people I ever met. I would appreciate knowing when and where her memorial services will be held so I may attend. My contact information is below. Sincerely,Duane Hollinger Hollinger Financial Corporation 2136 Waterby Street Westlake Village, California 91361 800/350-3711 - 805/373-3711 - 818/710-8888
Please accept my condolences in the passing of your mother. I, too, have wondered about the identities of the two persons in the famous photograph. Now, only the Sailor remains unknown. There is, in the San Diego waterfront, a larger than life statue modeled after the photo. It is a monument to the momentous event VJ-Day. God Bless
I am very sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. our son adn his wife are in the Navy, and when they come on vacation in Fl.and pick up our Grandson whom we have for 6 weeks in the summers. i want to go to sarasota Fl, and have them do the same pose next to the statue, and take there pic. i am gonna have our son wear his Navy hat. he is a Chief, went in the service a week after H.S. graduation in 1988. our prayers are with your family God bless.Sincerly Micki Nixon
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of Ms. Shain.What an incredible iconic picture and I have no doubt what an incredible life and family she had!My best to you and thank you for sharing her identity with the rest of the world.A world that will never forget her incredible image. She is truly immortal! Sincerely,Ward HarbinEvansville, Indiana
Dear Family of Edith Shain~ It is with heartfelt sadness that I learned of your mother's passing. May all of the years that she was with you, be an ever-present comfort to you now in your hour of loss. I personally have always enjoyed seeing that photograph whenever it was displayed, as it so decidedly captured the "essence" of an era now well behind us. How thrilling it must have been for your mother to have been part of immortalizing that moment in time for all of us yet unborn. The spontaneous jubilation captured on film that day will forever speak for that generation. With prayer and brotherly-love to each of you in your sorrow. Jessie E. Doering Montana
Dear Shain Family, We send you our condolences and want to let you know that this photo has a very special personal significance for my husband, Ralph: He was born on August 14, 1945 in Washington, DC. A few years ago I was able to purchase the copy of Life magazine that first featured this photo which now is inextricably linked to our family history as it is to millions of others. We hope that the prayers of so many of your mom's friends around the nation and the world will help to heal the sadness you must be feeling at this time. Sincerely, Susanne and Ralph Boehm
To the Family of Edith Shain, I'm very sorry to hear about her death and may she rest in peace. Always remember that her famous The Kiss Heard Round the World will live on for generations to come to remind us of famous eras. Always loved that icon and always made me smile every time I see the picture. Thank you,Polly, Oregon
There are no words to express what a person feels when moments like this arise. But just think how fortunate we've been to have our life touched by the love, caring and joy that your mom brought to all those who knew her.
Her warmth and love will be with us always, as well as the fond memories.
I'm an RN and photographer. This photo has always captured my attention. It does speak louder than words. It's good to hear her life story. Thank you for sharing on AOL.
Pamela W. Sale, RN, CNOR Clinical Coordinator ENT / GYN Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Marietta, Georgia
Hello,I was sorry to hear of Edith’s passing. What a beautiful woman she must have been! I certainly do not blame that sailor for kissing her like he did. It’s sad they never found out who he was. My dad was in the Navy also. May Edith rest in peace.
Dear Loved Ones,I am saddened by her passing, however, she is a great part of our history! My husband and I have this picture hanging in our home! I never knew the GREAT history it held. What a wonderful memory. I will always display it! Dawn R. DeFrange
To the family of Edith Shain-- I am saddened to hear of the passing of you're loved one. In my opinion, she was truly a member of the "Greatest Generation". The famous of the kiss in Times Square is one of the few happy memories of the WWII era. I saw the original magazine picture many years ago when I was in my teens. It was in a copy of Life magazine that had been saved for many years by an aunt of mine, I'm now 64 and the picture was taken a few months before I was born. I must have seen the picture a hundred times since then in various places--it is VERY famous. However, the photograph doesn't show Edith's face and I have wondered what she looked like until today when I visited her website. She a very pretty. Also, I never realized that she was only 4'-9" tall. The image will always be with me. Once again, I am very sorry for your loss. God bless Edith Shain. Mike TilottaHouston, TXtexcellent2@aol.com
I just heard of the passing of Edith Shain and wanted to let you know my prayers go out to her family and friends. Thank you for keeping the "Joy" of peaceful times alive in a photo that will out live us all. And, may the leaders of the world someday learn this joy. Peace to us all especially you Edith. Sincerely, Maurice Grossano
I was sadden to hear of the passing of Mrs. Edith Shain today. I am a baby boomer however not of WW 2 but of the Korean War. My eldest brother was a child at the time of the famous photo. I must admit to you that in my eyes she was everything a women of that era should be. You must be very proud of who your Mother was and the legacy she has handed down to not only her son's but your children and their children so on and so forth. My prayers are with your family during this sad time. However, one can only look back on the life of Mrs. Shain and know that she stood for everything good, she was a very hard working career women ahead of her time and will remain a role model for young women in centuries to come. Respectfully,Mrs. Debera L. Howard
On behalf of InteReality Media, I want to offer my deepest condolences for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Edith several years ago while filming a profile of her for NurseTV. She was and will always be an inspiration. Her amazing spirit touched me in just the brief time I spent with her. Interviewing her was one of the highlights of my journalism career. She will be missed. Here is a link to the profile. I'd be happy to send the family a DVD of the segment if they would like it. http://www.nursetv.com/video/75 Matthew Glasser CEO / Executive Producer, InteReality Media LLC Executive Producer, Healthcare Heroeswww.InteRealityMedia.com
My condolences to your family. As the daughter of a sailor who served in the Pacific during WWII, I have always loved that photo. As an adult, I have collected a lot of photos of the New York City skyline - a favorite site of mine. Although I was born and raised on Long Island, NYC is still "my town." I have for many years included that photo in my collection of New York pictures hanging on the walls of my home office!!! As I do with my parents, I hope you will hold on to all your dear memories of your beautiful mother. I never once think of my mom not being here with sadness - but think of the years she was here (88) with great joy. Be well,(May your family know no more sorrows. - what we say in Hebrew upon someone's death) ilene
My prayers are with you after the loss of your dear Mom. As a student of photography HER picture was always my favorite. She will live on forever in all our hearts and this great photo. May God’s peace give you comfort at this time.
the news of her passing. Although we never met, I believe her photo in Times Square typified the joy and exultation of the end of the War. Thank you, Edith, for one of the greatest American photos ever. R.I.P.
Rest in peace Edith.Funny how you can just walk down the street and be caught up in history. I wasn't born until 1951 but I always got a good feeling just looking at that photo. Thanks for being there. John
My memories of this great lady - Every year I attend a Memorial Day Service in Washington DC at the US Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Ave. But 2009 was really special for me. I was the 'Official Photographer' for the Central Liaison Committee of the Fleet Reserve Association and that day I took over 400 photographs. Many of our Guest Keynote Speaker Mr. Ernest Borgnine but along with Ernest was this tiny but not frail 90 y/o retired nurse and someone asked me do you remember the picture in Life Magazine of a sailor bending a nurse over and kissing her? I said yes that was back in August of 1945 at the end of WWII in Times Square, NYC taken by the famed photographer Alfred Eisenstadt. After the ceremony I took many pictures of Ms. Shain and Mr. Borgnine posing with the attendees and I would like to share them.
Dear former Hancock Park Elementary School classmates,
I am sad to report that our dear, loving and wonderful teacher, Mrs. Edith Shain, passed away yesterday. She taught first grade and kindergarten at Hancock Park Elementary School, from the 1950s through the 1970s.
I was so fortunate to have had Mrs. Shain as my first grade teacher back in 1955, and, I have always had such fond memories of her.
She was a warm and caring teacher, who was very involved with her students and always had kind words to say.
Mrs. Shain led an interesting life, both prior to, and after, her teaching days. She happened to be the nurse in the "Famous Kiss" photograph, taken by the late Alfred Eisenstaedt, on V-J Day, August 14, 1945, in Times Square. Mr. Eisenstaedt took his classic picture at the very moment that a jubilant sailor was kissing her in the streets of Manhattan that memorable day (it was spontaneous, and, the kissing pair never knew each other). The photo has since become one of the most recognized and iconic images of the 20th century.
Over her life, she has been very active and outspoken with respect to the educational system in our country --- concerned over polices that, in her opinion, have become too restrictive to enabling the children to experience an optimal atmosphere in which to learn and grow.
In recent years, she has been very active in educating past and present generations --- especially, the youth --- on the history and sacrifices made during by our men and women during World War 2. She also was a guest of honor in many ceremonies, parades and commemorative activities that honor those who enabled us to enjoy the freedoms we all have in America.
Mrs. Edith Shain was truly a woman of action and dedication, a beacon of hope, kindness and spirit that spanned many generations of Americans --- present, past and those to come.
I'm saddened by the news of Mrs. Shain's death. However, we can all take comfort in the fact she lived a long, full, active and healthy life. I know her influence, love and caring for her students and for all those who she knew continues with us.
She maintained a relationship with my family, especially with my late mother that extended well beyond my years at Hancock Park. As I grew and matured, Mrs. Shain's teachings, opinions, of which she was never shy in sharing, were much more meaningful. I still remember a day when I was in high school and she was visiting in our home with my mother. I entered the room in which they both sat and I greeted her as "Mrs. Shain", to which she responded, I believe you are old enough now to refer to me by my first name, Edith. Her invitation to call her by her first name changed our relationship forever from one of student and teacher to one of adult and adult.
She attended my graduation ceremony at USC and I recall a photograph taken of her as she stood beside me next to Tommy Trojan. She was jubilant to learn of a fellowship I was awarded to pursue post graduate studies at the London School of Economics and London Business School in England. She gave me a guide book of sights to see in London which were "off the beaten path." In thinking about her know, the significance of that book as a metaphor for her life; she was both conventional and "off the beaten path" in her many and varied life experiences.
May we all carry on in our lives, love and care for our families and friends and find both our conventional and "off the beaten path" lives that will influence others and better our world.
Wishing everybody good health, long, active and productive lives.
Howard K
P.S. Shall we take a recess in her honor, buy either a carton of milk or orange juice and a flying saucer cookie from the Cafeteria in loving memory.
My brother Larry and I are deeply saddened to learn of your mother's death. You may recall our family's relationship with your mother extended well beyond our year's at Hancock Park. She kept a close relationship with our late mother, Dorothy.
Parents aren't ever supposed to leave us, they live on in us and through us. Your mother lived a long, healthy, active and meaningful life that influenced and touched many people, especially those who were fortunate to have had her as a teacher in the primary grades and maintained relationships with her into adulthood.
Please keep us informed of any memorial or celebration of life event for your mother.
Our hearfelt condolences to you and all the family.
I've only known your mother for 6 years but became pretty good friends. Any time I could bring something to her that would enrich her life I'd do it. I'd say I'd miss her energy and laugh but if I close my eyes I can still see her and hear voice.
(That and I've been saving any message she left me for the past 3 years on my phone.)
She was one amazing lady.The thought of how a guy from Canada of all places could be in the middle of all these US veteran events with the likes of your mom is something I'll cherish.
Suffice it to say we had a blast together.
Our friendship started with me thinking of an event and thinking "What's the most famous image of a kiss in American history." I got on line to see if the image had been sculpted (I sculpt) and I discovered the Art Foundation in Santa Monica. At the end of my call with Helen, she said, "You know she's still alive!" She referred me to Aaron and within the week I was talking to her.
Our first "date" was to dinner at the Magic Castle. I took her and Aaron there so she could see I wasn't some crazy. It was so funny, there's a mirror she couldn't get up to see so she pulled up a chair to stand on it. She had a terrific time.
For one birthday I took her out to lunch. I brought Jay Munns with me and performed a private concert for her at her home. Later I gave her one of his cds (he specializes in music from the 20's 30's & 40's). A few months later, one of her friends passed away. She told me she played Jay's cd several times in a row and it brought her some comfort during her tough time.
From there I invited her to participate with the VA Event. My first year I had invited Jason Alexander of Seinfeld fame, who escorted her to the stage. My friend Douglas Roegiers sang "It's been a long, long time." to her. She absolutely beamed. You can see that on youtube.
I brought Jay Munns and the Sentimental sisters to an event at the Queen Mary which really jazzed up their event.
My whole experience with her has been magical.
There are a few videos of her that I think will give you a feel for my experience.
Fifteen years ago I sent my inlaws to the Cerritos Center for the performing Arts to see Victor Borge. Consequently they've been sending me their annual show schedule and in December 2008 I noticed a group, "In the Mood Live" advertising their show using the Times Square picture.
I contacted the producer and he provided us with tickets for the show. Last year February I took your mom to hear a concert "In the Mood Live" at the Cerritos Center of the Performing Arts just to give her a day out. At the end of the concert, producer Bud Forrest introduced her and there was a collective 2500 voice gasp. The poor people around her about fell out of their chairs up discovering who they had been sitting by the whole time.
Last July I took her to a party in Redlands where everyone who attended was dressed in period clothing and had their vintage cars etc. there. A nose section from a Mitchell bomber including 50 & 30 calibre machine guns were in the livingroom.
There was a Chris Perry at the piano and he asked what your mom's favourite song was and as he played "I"ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places..." your moms eyes got all misty". At the party she got to dance with an 88 year old sailor which was great since most of the people are much younger. It was so cute! Aaron even found an old friend there.
I told Jay about the song so he wrote a new arrangement of it and last February 4th I invited her to hear Jay Munns and The Sentimental Sisters (see www.jaycmunns.com) at a little theater called The Covina Center for the Performing Arts. After the show we invited your mom on stage and the girls sang to her. The whole experience was magic. I'm the guy who escorted her on stage. Check out www.vimeo.com and put "Edith Shain" in the search box. It's a sweet beautiful moment. The look on her face...the smile that wrapped around her...she glowed like an angel. Then after the song, she grabbed the mic and in classic Edith style, wowed the crowd.
There's a young guy I met on the 3rd St. Promenade named Douglas Roegiers. He's a crooner. I had him sing to your mom the past 3 years at the VA Event in West Los Angeles. If you check out www.youtube.com put Edith Shain in the searchbox and you can see the Mohola interview and also Douglas Roegiers sings to Edith Shain. One year at the event I had a gang of professional swing dancers in period clothing including a nurse and sailor recreate the famous kiss. (I don't know if we have video of that but we have pictures) Check out www.vaevent.org
You have one amazing mom. It was an honor to have had her in my life.
Call me if I can assist in any way. I know that Douglas, Jay and the Sentimental sisters would be willing to participate in any "party"
