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Albany High School

Esther Soffer Obituary

Soffer, Esther ALBANY Esther Soffer, age 94, of Albany, died at home on Tuesday, October 21, 2008. Esther was born and lived in Albany all her life. She attended School #18 as a child and later taught kindergarten there for 50 years. She also taught English as a second language (ESL) courses at Albany High School and summer school at Giffen Memorial Elementary School. She had many fond memories of her students, who she ran into almost daily. After Esther retired from the City School District of Albany in 1983, she became an active member of the JCC. She enjoyed their many activities, dinners, and most of all the chorale group. Esther also enjoyed playing the organ. Esther is survived by her two brothers, Harry and Sanford and her two sisters-in-law, Miriam and Marilyn, who she loved as the sisters she never had. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as a great-grandnephew who brought much joy to her life. She will be greatly missed by the team of women who cared for her during the last two years of her life, Jennifer, Joanne, Dorothy, Amber, Krissy and Terry. The family would also like to express a special thanks to Esther's caring and compassionate friend, Terry Doyle. Services at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Beth Abraham Jacob Cemetery in Guilderland, N.Y. Those wishing to remember Esther in a special way may make a memorial contribution to the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center, 340 Whitehall Road, Albany, NY 12208 or a charity of one's choice. For directions and to sign the online family guest book please visit, www.levinememorialchapel.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union from Oct. 22 to Oct. 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Esther Soffer

14 Entries

leslie dykeman

October 27, 2008

In 1994, the 1962 graduating class of St James Institute held a reunion and invited not only our religious teachers but our kindergarten teacher Miss Sofer - after all she knew us before we could read and write! I still have her thank you note expressing such gratitude for being included in the event. How many students must have passed thru her classroom! My sympathies to Miss Sofer's family.

Jeff Loomis

October 27, 2008

I was in Miss Soffer's class in 1972. I remember with great appreciation the way she began my education. I am in my 20th year as an educator and hope to accomplish just some of what she did in her outstanding career. My prayers to her entire family.

Nancina

October 25, 2008

I am 34yrs old and I remember my kindergarten yr with Ms.Soffer. I hope she was proud of her impact on the many children she taught, as those that I am sure like myself remember her. With sympathy.

Amy Cooke

October 24, 2008

My condolences to Mrs. Soffer's family. She was my kindergarten teacher at School 18, year 1956-1957. I remember her so well; she was a very kind person

joan middlebrooks waldrop

October 24, 2008

what a wonderful introduction to education...i was 4 years old in 1943 when i first met miss soffer at school 18...i can still remember the sand box, piano room, and stories...it seems she had a long and happy life which she deserved for giving so much of herself to others

Kyla LaMountain

October 23, 2008

I'm very sorry for your loss. I was her student from 81-82 and although that was many years ago, I can still remember her sweet smile & compassion she had for all of us kid's. I hope you'll find peace knowing she brought joy to many people live's.

Diane (Bloomer) Schenk

October 23, 2008

To Dear Miss Soffer's Family,

I too was a Kindergarten student of sweet Miss Soffer's at School 18. Class of 1965. I will never, ever forget how gentle and welcoming she was to all of us. She got us all off to a good start in education. If only the children of today were as blessed to have a teacher like Miss Soffer, the world would be a better place. My brother was also a student of hers; class of 1960.
Thank you Miss Soffer, thanks for the memories. I'm sure she has already taken all the children in heaven under her "wings".

Diane Gordon

October 23, 2008

I always remembered my kindergarten teacher Ms. Soffer from School 18 with pleasant memories. I was in kindergarten in 1954-1955, then went on to St. James. I am grateful that she started my school years in a positive way.

Chuck Agnew

October 23, 2008

To the Family of Esther Soffer:
I first met this lovely woman in September of 1960 as a five year old kindergarten student. She was a wonderful teacher who made me- and I assume every other child she taught- feel special. Her classroom was indeed a oasis of warmth, encouragement and learning. Esther sent many students on the road to the rest of their life with a terrific head start. The world seems a little less welcoming with her passing. God Bless You, Miss Soffer.

Danielle Bennett

October 23, 2008

I have very happy memories of my kndg. graduation with Mrs. Soffer in '82. I remember all the practicing, time and care she put into my kndg. graduation. And now my family and I were very happy to share a neighboorhood with her these last 10 yrs. Good bless you and your family today tomorrow and always

Terry

Randy said call him anytime his sch. is a little free-er now If you need anything

Barbara Magin

October 23, 2008

To the family of Ms. Soffer,
So many years ago her kindergarten class at #18 seemed so huge to me, but she made it a place of love, safety and comfort....Heaven has a special guest in Esther.

Joanne Peter

October 22, 2008

To The Family Of Esther,
She was a great lady and she will be missed. I have fond memories of her.
Your Friend And Aid,Joanne

LaVaughn & Craig Bartholomew

October 22, 2008

To the family of Ms. Soffer:

She was a great lady, teacher and friend. It is hard to believe she is gone! She helped many children at School 18 and many folks in the neighborhood. Our prayers are with her family as they mourn their loss.

david whitman

October 22, 2008

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of
mrs. soffer. i was a student of hers in 1977, and my father inlaw many years before.

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