Sophie S. Shiffman passed away at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community on her 97th birthday, April 28, 2024. She died peacefully in her sleep.
Sophie was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 28, 1927 to the late Samuel Shielman and Lillian (Katz) Shielman. She married her beloved husband, Morris Shiffman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1950 and was the mother of two children Lili and Alan who loved her very much.
She attended Milwaukee State Teachers College (now the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee) and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelors of Science in Education. This was a significant achievement since women from her family were not expected to go to college. She later received a Masters in Reading and Remedial Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She believed deeply in the importance of education and always encouraged her children and others to be life-long learners.
Sophie held a number of jobs over the years. After the family moved from Philadelphia to Chapel Hill in 1964, she worked as a research assistant at the Health Services Research Center. She spent one year as a reading teacher at Chapel Hill High School, and after Lili and Alan were in college she began working for the Employment Security Commission. In this role she helped many people to find appropriate and meaningful work. She had a knack for seeing people’s strengths and understanding their interests and abilities.
While Sophie helped many people through her work and friendships, her primary focus was her family. She was a loving parent who encouraged her children to be independent, caring people. She was also a wonderful grandmother to Claire, showing interest in Claire’s life and supporting her in all her endeavors.
Sophie was a life-long Democrat and a political activist. She volunteered for the League of Women Voters for years and helped to usher in a new Pennsylvania State Constitution. She was the Precinct Chair of the Lake Forest Democratic Party for ten years, working tirelessly to increase voter turnout. In her 97 years, she never missed a chance to vote.
Sophie is survived by her son, Alan Shiffman and his partner Lisa Lloyd; her daughter, Lili Arkin and her husband, Jonathan Arkin; her grandchild, Claire Arkin; her sister, Rose Neuman; niece Ruth Levenson (Andrew); and nephews, Lee Stepansky and Norman Stepansky (Gina). She was preceded in death by her husband Morris Shiffman, brothers Norman and David Shielman, and sister June Stepansky.
The family wishes to express special thanks to her caregiver, Latisha Lawrence, for her tireless care and to all the others whose support was so important: Denise Rice, Transitions Hospice and all the wonderful people at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community.
A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, May 2nd 10:00 AM at Judea Reform Congregation Cemetery, 2560 Jones Ferry Rd. Chapel Hill NC, near the intersection with Damascus Church Rd. There will be a memorial service on Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 PM in the chapel at Croasdaile Farm Retirement Community, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, the North Carolina Democratic Party or to a favorite charity.
The Shiffman family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.
