Gusmorino described her as “a very loving person” who brought passion and thoughtfulness to everything she did.

Shira remained involved in drama at Harvard as well, and her varied interests in theater led her to a number of activites, from performing in plays to designing costumes.

Shira’s work as co-chair of the Hillel Dramatic Society brought two of her greatest loves together. During the past fall, the organization faced a difficult task as they were unable to retain the rights to perform a David Mamet play, and the director of the replacement show quit.

“Throughout this entire ordeal, Shira maintained a constantly positive and hopeful attitude,” wrote Michael A. Kay ’01, Shira’s fellow co-chair of the dramatic society, in an e-mail.

“Working with Shira turned what could have been a very difficult and dispiriting semester of leadership into a fun, positive experience,” he continued. “This is what I have always admired most about Shira--her ability to keep things in perspective, to refuse to give up, and to find positive value in everything.”

A number of projects in memory of Shira are currently underway at Harvard.

Pforzheimer plans to plant a tree and install a commemorative plaque in the House courtyard.

Hillel has launched the Shira Palmer-Sherman Memorial Fund, which will support the arts and drama at Hillel. The memorial fund will also provide money for a menorah which will be lit by the entire Hillel community to celebrate Hanukah and to remember Shira, who died on the first day of the holiday.

“It is very appropriate that we will all try to rekindle some of her light next year on the yahrtzeit [anniversary] of her death,” Kurshan wrote.

“It is ironic that Shira died on the Festival of Lights because with her death so many of us were left in darkness,” she continued. “But hopefully we will be able to light the Menorah in her memory next year.”

Shira is survived by her parents, Joanne Palmer and Andrew Sherman, her sister, Miriam Palmer-Sherman and her beloved Jesse O. Kellerman ’01.