From Jewish Federation Los Angeles:
Annette Shapiroz”l, a pioneering leader, philanthropist, mentor, and treasured member of our Jewish community, passed away on Friday at the age of 96. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership and service rooted in the Jewish values she cherished and embodied. For more than six decades, Annette devoted her time, talent, and resources to strengthening Jewish life and improving the lives of people throughout Los Angeles and beyond.
Annette was one of the most influential Jewish leaders of her generation. She was often described as the model “professional volunteer” who understood that effective leadership meant bringing people together, mentoring the next generation, and turning shared values into action. Through fundraising, volunteer development, leadership training, and her own philanthropy, she played an indispensable role in shaping the modern Jewish communal infrastructure of Los Angeles.
Annette’s commitment to JFEDLA began decades ago. She chaired the Women’s Campaign of the United Jewish Fund, a precursor to our Federation’s current-day campaign structure, and later chaired our Women’s Division (now Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy), first in the San Fernando Valley and then across the city. In these roles, she helped expand women’s participation in philanthropy and cultivate a new generation of Jewish women leaders. In 1988, she received our Golda Meir Award in recognition of her leadership and commitment to the Jewish community. She later served as a Vice President of our Board of Directors, helping guide strategy to successfully build our thriving Jewish community.
In 2018, JFEDLA honored Annette and her beloved husband, Leonard Shapiro, with our Lifetime Achievement Award. Together, they set an extraordinary standard for philanthropy and leadership, demonstrating an enduring commitment to the people of Israel and Los Angeles.
Perhaps Annette’s most lasting gift was her dedication to developing future leaders. In partnership with the University of Judaism, now American Jewish University, she co-created and co-chaired the Executive Volunteer Leadership Institute, an innovative program designed to train and inspire the next generation of Jewish communal leaders. She was a generous mentor throughout her life, sharing her wisdom, encouragement, and example with countless people who went on to lead organizations and improve their own communities.
Her contributions were recognized nationally as well. Annette was the inaugural recipient of the Jewish Federations of North America’s Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, which recognized her trailblazing leadership in women’s philanthropy. The significance of the award was reflected in a lasting distinction: the names of its recipients and their communities were recorded in the Library of Congress. In fact, Annette is listed there twice; a book was written about her titled Annette Shapiro: Professional Volunteer.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Leonard, the entire Shapiro family, and all who were fortunate enough to know and learn from Annette. May Annette Shapiro’s memory be a blessing and a continual source of inspiration to our entire community.
Warmly,
Daniel Gryczman
Chair of the Board
Rabbi Noah Farkas
President & CEO
From American Jewish University:
American Jewish University mourns the passing of Annette Shapiro z”l, a pioneering Jewish communal leader, philanthropist, mentor, and treasured member of the AJU community, who passed away at the age of 96, this past Friday.
For more than half a century, Annette and her beloved husband, Leonard, have been deeply connected to American Jewish University and its predecessor, the University of Judaism. Their record of support dates back to 1974, reflecting more than 50 years of extraordinary generosity, leadership, and belief in the importance of strengthening Jewish life and preparing future generations to lead.
Annette’s relationship with the University went far beyond philanthropy. She gave generously of her time, wisdom, and leadership through her and Leonard’s involvement with the Moriah Society and University Women, helping to build a strong and engaged community around the institution and its mission.
The Shapiro family also left an enduring mark on fabric of Los Angeles Jewish life, including their support for the David Alan Shapiro Memorial Synagogue on the Familian Campus, created in memory of their beloved son, David. For generations of students, rabbis, educators, and community members, the synagogue has served as a sacred gathering place for prayer, learning, reflection, and Jewish connection.
Annette was especially passionate about cultivating the next generation of Jewish communal leaders. In partnership with the University of Judaism, she co-created and co-chaired the Executive Volunteer Leadership Institute, an innovative initiative designed to develop knowledgeable, committed, and effective Jewish communal leadership. That commitment to mentorship was central to who Annette was. She understood that sustaining Jewish institutions required not only generosity but also investing in the people who would carry them forward.
Annette’s impact extended throughout Los Angeles and the broader Jewish community, but we at AJU are especially grateful for the remarkable chapter she and Leonard wrote as part of our institution’s history. Their partnership with AJU spans decades of transformation and growth, and their commitment has helped shape the University we know today.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Leonard, the entire Shapiro family, and all those who were fortunate to know, learn from, and be inspired by Annette.
May Annette Shapiro’s memory be a blessing, and may her extraordinary example of leadership, generosity, and devotion to the Jewish future continue to inspire us for generations to come.
Warmly,
Larry Platt
Chair, Board of Directors
Jay Sanderson
President & CEO
