Nadine Shapiro.
By Jill Fox
“Nadine always wanted a packed house,” said Rabbi Jonathan Kaplan at the funeral of Nadine Shapiro, which drew a crowd close to 300 on Monday.
The 67-year-old founder of Coral Springs-based Broadway Bound lost her battle with breast cancer on Saturday.
Shapiro was born in New York and raised her family in Coral Springs. Her eldest daughter, Lauren Brogna, 40, now lives in Parkland with her family. Brogna said her mom was always into musical theater. With a degree in music, she discovered the need for a theater program while working in local schools.
Many of Shapiro’s former students were in attendance on Monday, some from as far as New York.
“It was a beautiful tribute to her,” said Jodi Harris, a close family friend who handled operations at Broadway Bound while Shapiro was sick and planned to continue.
“Nadine’s legacy runs deep through the heart and soul of this community,” wrote Parkland resident Lorin Rodman, whose entire family has graced the stage in one way or another. “Each child she taught is an extension of her love and joy of theatre.”
With Shapiro’s strong connection to the community, it was no surprise that over $36,000 was raised to help manage her treatment costs. Though now, the family is focusing on the future.
The Broadway Bound Shining Stars Foundation is a scholarship fund created to benefit Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students to provide hope and inspire young people to thrive in the arts. Shapiro’s family plans to continue the foundation by following her actions.
“Nadine never turned a child away because of money, and her girls want to carry on that mission,” said Harris.
Anyone willing to donate can send a check made out to the Shining Stars Foundation to Broadway Bound, 9715 W Sample Road, Coral Springs, FL 33065.
Nadine Shapiro with her three children (from left to right), Lauren Brogna, Lindsay Shapiro, and Greg Shapiro.
According to her obituary, Nadine’s greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. Her family will continue to sit shiva through Wednesday.
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