48 | OCTOBER 20 • 2022 

A

nnette Fingeroot was a 
remarkable woman who 
lived her 94 years to the 
fullest. Since her parents had passed 
away at very young ages (59 and 62), 
she often expressed her 
own amazement and 
gratitude that she and her 
five younger siblings were 
all alive and had all well 
surpassed their parents’ 
lifespan. 
Then, on the morning 
of Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, 
Annette succumbed to COVID, 
followed less than 24 hours later by the 
death of her sister, Clara, also due to 
COVID.
During the many beautiful years 
she was granted, Annette was never 
happier than when she was surrounded 
by family and friends. Until the very 
recent past, she was always up for a 
party, especially if it was a simchah 
involving her siblings, children, 
grandchildren or great grandchildren. 
She danced the hora at every 
opportunity even when substantial 
help was required and even when she 
could barely walk on her own. Annette 
never lost her sense of connection, 
community or her desire to be present 
with her tribe.
She lived on her own, until age 
84. Then, her children had to coerce 
her into moving to Hechtman; she 
could no longer handle the rickety 
stairs leading to her condo. Her 
conviction that this move would 
take away her independence lasted 
until she opened the front door of 
the Hechtman building. Before she 
reached her own apartment, she met 
people she knew from high school, 
from B’nai B’rith, from the tennis club 
and from Congregation Beth Shalom 
Hebrew School carpools. She remarked 
that it was like living in a college 
dorm, an opportunity she had never 
experienced. For her 10 years there, 
she was always upbeat, even through 

the isolation of the pandemic. 
When it came to the Jewish holidays, 
Annette wanted to be with the “gantze 
mishpochah.” So, first at her own 
home, then later at her children’s 
homes, or a clubhouse when the group 
exceeded 35, everyone was included. 
Annette’s favorite holiday tradition 
was providing a challah and seven-
layer cake for each family that came 
to the Rosh Hashanah dinners. She 
and Diamond Bakery had a great 
relationship.
The loves of her life were her late 
husband, Ben Fingeroot, her children, 
nine grandchildren and seven great-
grandchildren. Her children are Susan 
Adler Shanteau (John Shanteau), 
Judith (Howard) Jacobs, Howard 
(Hon. Kimm Small) Fingeroot, the 
late Marty (the late Laura Fingeroot). 
Grandchildren are Carolyn (Allison) 
Adler, Michelle Twersky, Bryan 
(Rachel) Fingeroot, Daniel (Samantha) 
Fingeroot, Natalie Mothorpe, 
Danielle Jacobs, Jennifer Jacobs, 
Nicole Churchill, Bradley Fingeroot 
(fiancée, Nicole Hager). Her great-
grandchildren are Dylan, Lyla, Olivia 
and Christopher Fingeroot, Beckett 
Mothorpe, Chase Twersky and Ilana 
Adler. Annette’s beloved siblings are 
Ruth (the late William) Wizner, Evelyn 
(the late Larry) Peisner, Ted (Rhoda) 
Kahn, Marlene (Ron) Rosen and the 
late Clara Glassman. Annette’s parents 
were the late Israel and the late Pearl 
(Burke) Kahn.
During her later years, she was 
helped by caregiver and friend, Donna 
Johnson. She had many loving nieces, 
nephews, cousins and friends.
For those who would like to 
honor her memory with a charitable 
donation, please support Friends of the 
Israeli Defense Forces (FIDF), finance.
support@FIDF.org; Jewish Senior Life, 
jslmi.org; or a charity of your choice. 
Graveside service was held at Hebrew 
Memorial Park. Arrangements by 
Hebrew Memorial Chapel. 

The Family Matriarch

Against Book Bans, American Library 
Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 
1300, Chicago, IL 60601, ec.ala.org/dona-
tion/OIF-0625-UABBFD; or to a charity 
of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira 
Kaufman Chapel.

SHIRLEY CYKIERT, 87, of 
West Bloomfield, died Oct. 7, 
2022. 
She was the beloved wife 
of the late Walter Cykiert; 
dear mother of Stuart 
(Lauren Bendix), Jay (Heather), and Dr. 
Andrew (Stacy) Cykiert; loving bubbie of 
Josh (Margaret), Nathan, Denise, Ryan 
(Stephanie), Dr. Justin (Hayley), Carly and 
Arica Cykiert (fiancé, Logan Nathanson); 
adoring great-bubbie of Norah, Savannah 
and Wyatt Cykiert. She is also survived by 
her loving caregivers, Shirley, Milena and 
Jody. 
Interment was held at Beth Abraham 
Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions 
may be made to the Jewish Hospice and 
Chaplaincy Network, to the Alzheimer’s 
Association or to a charity of one’s choice. 
Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

DEBORAH GABE, 65, of 
Novi, died Oct. 7, 2022.
She passed away peacefully 
at home after having fought 
a long and courageous battle 
with leukemia and multiple 
sclerosis.
Debbie was the beloved wife for 39 
years of Edward Gabe; loving and devoted 
mother of Evan Gabe; cherished daughter 
of Harry and Sally Cogan; loving sister of 
Linda Weingarten; dear sister-in-law of 
Howard (Sheila) Gabe and Susan (Rick) 
Kellman; adoring aunt of Jordan (Molly) 
Weingarten, Zachary Weingarten and 
Hillary (Shenaye) Protasiewicz.
Interment took place at Clover Hill Park 
Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions 
may be made to a charity of one’s choice. 
Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

CLARA GLASSMAN, 84, of 
Delray Beach, Fla., died Sept. 
30, 2022. 
Clara was born and spent 
most of her life in the 
Detroit area. She worked for 

Annette 
Fingeroot

OBITUARIES
OF BLESSED MEMORY

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