Be Silverman

Born in Estherville, Iowa, Be Silverman graduated from the town’s high school and attended State University of Iowa for two years before marrying her high school sweetheart, Merlin George (deceased 1982).  From this marriage, Be has three children and five grandchildren.  Two sons, Bret and Kent, live in Iowa City, Iowa; daughter Kris Shabestar and her husband, Fred, live in Lynchburg.    As Merlin advanced in his career, the family moved too many times to list in a brief biography.  In 1984, Be resided in Lincoln, Nebraska, and married Joe Silverman (deceased 2013).  With this marriage, she gained two step-children—Rick Silverman and Jan Taylor—and three step-grandchildren.  She also has three great grandchildren.

Be worked as a bookkeeper until the birth of her first child, and when her youngest child was ten-years-old she returned to the work world, this time in the retail business.  She managed a gift shop located in one of Lincoln’s shopping centers until a desire to be free to travel became stronger than that of working.  Both Be and Joe followed Nebraska College sports teams, especially volleyball and football games - both regular and bowl events.

Being a volunteer has been an important part of Be’s life.  Her work has been primarily through her church, nursing home, hospital, and rehab facility.  Other interests include quilting, gardening, playing bridge, attending plays, both drama and musicals, and art shows.  When pressed about her interests Be, with a smile on her face, confesses to a love for music and is quick to add she is not a performer; she is the one in the audience clapping with great enthusiasm.