Irene R. Silver

Born in New York City from Eastern European parents, Irene Ruth Silver spent her early years in New York dancing as a childhood Broadway actor. Her theater career continued through her entire life. Performing, teaching and directing a myriad of theatrical productions in New Jersey, Michigan and Florida. She attended the University of Maryland and taught theater at Rutgers University. She and her late husband, Warren Silver, founded the Sarasota Senior Theater, an intergenerational theater that operated out of the Players Theater. Irene was also a community leader. She was active in the Hillsborough County Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, League of Women Voters, NOW as well as running for political offices. Urban planning and comprehensive land usage plans that preserve d green space was her passion .

She also was owner of a successful interior design firm in Gainesville as well as owner of a very successful real estate development team that developed subdivision in the Tampa area. She helped to break the glass ceiling during a time when women were not a major force in the workplace. She participated in the ERA March for Woman’s Rights in Washington DC and huge advocate for equal pay for women. A very progressive women for her time.

She was a dedicated mother and wife and loved by her family. She was a career women with a strong voice for political issues of equality, fairness and progressive causes. Irene instilled acceptance , empathy and equality in her rhetoric and instilled it as In children as well.

Rest peacefully now Mom and dance with dad.

Irene Ruth Silver is survived by her four children, Gordon Silver, Ellen Coates, Karin Silver and Dr. Thomas Silver; sister, Natalie Aaron; brother, Sonny Lee; and Grandchildren April Bombka and Andrew Coates.

Celebration of Life to be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers , memorial contributions in the name of Irene Silver can be sent to Tidewell Hospice or Women’s Exchange of Sarasota.