Miriam Schachner Fagan

Florida, peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 24,

2021.

Our Mother was an amazing, wonderful woman.

Miriam was born and grew up in The Holy Land, Israel. Jewish people born in Israel are

known as, “Sabras,” which is a type of cactus that is tough on the outside, yet sweet on

the inside. Though a proud Sabra, our Mother was sweet on the outside too.

Overall, she had a very happy youth in Israel, especially enjoying time spent at the local

beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. Miriam loved drawing, art and designing clothing.

But our Mother also grew up in the shadow of the Holocaust, where most of our family

was murdered. And she lived in a very hostile part of the World, surrounded by

constant threats of war and frequent terrorist attacks. She had a front row seat to the

War for Israeli Independence through the windows of her home.

One of Miriam’s favorite escapes was going to the theater, and watching the latest

American movie releases. Though her heart would always be in Israel, these movies

showed her the Promise of America, a land of unlimited opportunities and shopping.

She spent time in the Israeli Army, like all Israelis, got an education degree afterwards,

then taught young children on a kibbutz, which is a communal agricultural settlement.

At a friend’s house Miriam met a young, handsome American, Walter Fagan, and they

fell in love. She did not have a telephone, so he proposed to her by telegraph. After

honeymooning in Europe, they moved to Chicago in 1960.

That’s where we come in. Our parents raised three interesting children.

After 40 years in the Chicago area, the couple moved to Citrus County to be closer to

their oldest son and to enjoy the better weather. Miriam loved it there, was extremely

active, and made many wonderful friendships. My brother took great care of them for

many years, until their deaths.

Our Mother was actively involved in a wide variety of community organizations including

Congregation Beth Sholom, Hadassah, and anything involving animals. She also loved

to grow and nurture flowers and plants, was involved in several gardening clubs, and

helped raise money to plant thousands of trees in Israel.

Miriam had an even deeper love for humans, both relatives and friends. Though living

far away, she maintained hundreds of meaningful friendships and relationships, many

spanning more than 60 years. Her mailing list would fill a phone book, and her card

writing skills were legendary. Our Mother never missed a birthday or holiday or special

occasion.

But Miriam’s greatest joy came late in life, at the age of 83, when she became a

Grandmother. Jasmine Jane Fagan was her pride and joy. Savta Miriam told the World

about her adorable little Granddaughter, filled her home with photos of her, and

treasured the time they spent together.

My brother and I would be honored if anyone who knew or loved our Mother would pay

their respects to this great lady by attending her funeral service.

A graveside service for Miriam will be held Thursday, July 29, 2021 from 11:00 AM to

12:00 PM at Fero Memorial Gardens, 5891 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL

34465.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at

www.ferofuneralhome.com for the Fagan family.