Shirley Kurlander

Shirley Prince Kurlander, beloved matriarch, journalist, dedicated community leader, and proud Hoosier, passed away on May 16, 2026 at the age of 90.

Born on April 3, 1936, in Indianapolis to Ben Prince and Esther Newbauer Prince, Shirley graduated from Shortridge High School in 1953 and earned a degree in Journalism and English from Indiana University Bloomington in 1957. A natural leader, she became involved in journalism and campus leadership as a college student. She was the Assistant Editor of the Indiana Daily Student, secretary of the Independent Party, and a member of the IU Student Foundation. She was also inducted into Theta Sigma Phi, the national honor society and professional fraternity for women in journalism.

In 1959, Shirley married Gerald (Jerry) J. Kurlander, M.D. Their marriage lasted more than six decades, until Jerry’s death in April 2025. Together they built a warm, caring home and a shared life of family, service and community.

Shirley had a distinguished career in journalism, serving as Assistant Women’s Editor of The Indianapolis Star and later as Associate Editor of WFYI-TV 20 Member’s Magazine. She collaborated on the creation and editing of Sesqui-Samplings, the commemorative cookbook honoring the Indianapolis sesquicentennial.

Committed to Jewish education and civic engagement, Shirley held leadership roles that helped bring about meaningful change. She was the first president of both the Auxiliary to the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis and the Parents Club of Sigma Alpha Mu at Indiana University Bloomington. She served as presidents of both the Women’s Service League of the Indianapolis Jewish Community Center and The Guild for Hooverwood Living.

Shirley served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Indianapolis Symphony Society, the Museum of Art Alliance, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Marion County Medical Society, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Hasten Hebrew Academy, the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Congregation Beth El Zedeck Sisterhood, and Hadassah.

Among her many honors, Shirley received the Martin L. Larner Leadership Award from the Indianapolis Jewish Community. She and Jerry were also inducted into the Indiana University Presidents Circle and received the HAI-Life Distinguished Service Award from the Hasten Hebrew Academy.

Shirley was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She took immense pride in her family’s accomplishments and in the people they became. An avid sports enthusiast with a special passion for tennis, she organized countless tennis groups and events, including serving on committees for the US Clay Court Championships held in Indianapolis. She passed on her love of tennis to her children and grandchildren, making it a lasting family tradition.

Shirley is survived by her loving children: Helen Kurlander (Asaf) Goldstein, Stuart Sidney Kurlander (David Martin), Eileen Joy Kurlander, and Dr. David Mark Kurlander. She was the proud and cherished grandmother of seven: Eitan (Aliza) Goldstein, Lauren Goldstein, Noah Shaw, Alivia (Jaedon) Williamson, Eli Kurlander, Jacob Kurlander, and William Kurlander. She is also survived by her brother, Irwin J. (Eileen) Prince.

In addition to her husband, Jerry, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Esther Prince, and her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn Prince Schankerman and Maurice (Moe) Schankerman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Hooverwood Guild, 7001 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260, or to the Kurlander Family Fund for Jewish Family Services at the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, 6705 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10 AM at Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary, 11411 North Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077, with burial to follow at Ohev Zedeck Cemetery.  The funeral will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

The family is deeply grateful to Shirley's wonderful caregivers and the caring staff at Hooverwood Living and ARN Hospice for their compassion and for making her final months comfortable and meaningful.

Arrangements entrusted to Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary.