Miriam Jane Shanker Birnbach, 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 8, 2025. Born on July 9, 1934, in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the beloved daughter of Samuel and Jeanette Shanker.

Miriam lived a life defined by family, style, heart, and deep devotion to the people she loved. She had an unmistakable elegance, from her impeccable taste to the red lipstick she wore so effortlessly. But what truly set her apart was her warmth, humor, and the joy she brought into every room. She cherished the arts, supported many charitable organizations throughout her life, and believed in showing up for others. A loyal friend and a vibrant presence, Miriam was always out with family or friends, keeping endless dinner reservations, playing cards, or taking in the cultural moments she adored - sitting around was not an option.

Her greatest pride was her family. She poured her whole heart into raising her children, who remained the center of her world: Jami, Bruce, Nina, and Tom. She also shared an unbreakable bond with her twin sister, Eleanor, who was not only her sibling but her lifelong best friend. Though widowed, Miriam carried throughout her life a deep and enduring love for her late husband, Gerald Birnbach, whose memory she held close.

Miriam is survived by her children Jami (Barry) Taff, Bruce (Holly) Birnbach, Nina (Ken) Patton, Tom (Stacy) Birnbach, and her twin sister, Eleanor Groper.

She was the loving grandmother of Sam (Esther), Brandon, Charlie (Amie), Jessi (Adam), Jake, Maggie, Lindsey (Chris), Michael, Chloe, Benny (Emily), Max, Nick, Jack, Nate, and Tyler, and the cherished great-grandmother of Grayson, Riley, and Laney. Her family will forever remember her wit, her generosity, and the way she made each of them feel deeply loved.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 12pm, at Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20016. Burial will follow at the Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park in Clarksburg, MD. Shiva will be observed at Somerset House, 5630 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 6:30pm with services at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethesda Rescue Squad, an organization meaningful to Miriam.

May her memory be a blessing and may the love she shared continue to live on in all who were lucky enough to know her.