Ida Kessler Soffer

Ida Soffer Obituary

SOFFER, IDA KESSLER, died peacefully on August 9th. She was the wife of the late Harry Soffer. She is survived by her son, Donald Soffer, and her daughter, Rita Soffer Leeds (Hal). She was the beloved sister of Regina Sanes, Margaret Levine, Frances, Zeifer, Beatrice Huttner (Dr. Arthur), and Eugene Kessler (Lois) and the late Bernard Kessler, Lillian Lauar, and David Kessler. She was also the loving grandma of Marsh Soffer Rappaport (Dr. Jon), Jill Soffer, Barrie Schwartz Hayne (Patrick), Michael Schwartz, Jacqueline Soffer Bernstein (Ken), Jay Schwartz Jeffrey Soffer, Daniel Schwartz (Michelle), Brooke Soffer Perez (George), and Abigail Soffer. She was also the great-grandmother of 14 great-grandchildren. She was born in Hungary and came to East Pittsburgh Pennsylvania when she was 10 years old. She lived there until 1929 when she met and married Harry Soffer. They moved to Duquesne, Pennsylvania. There she raised her children, worked alongside her husband in the grocery business, and was active in Hadassah, and Sisterhood. In 1959 they resided in Pittsburgh until Harry's demise in 1972. She then became a permanent resident of Aventura, Florida. There she was one of the founding members of Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center. She was honored by both Hadassah and Israel Bonds and she was a Lion of Judah of United Jewish Federation. Graveside services were loving held in Mckeesport, Pennsylvania, where she was laid to rest alongside her husband, Harry. Please send contributions to the United Jewish Federation of Miami for the Israel Emergency Fund. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.

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Published by the Miami Herald on Aug. 15, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Ida Soffer

Sponsored by Denise (Zimmer) Madan.

11 Entries

Elaine Bloom

September 7, 2006

Dear Soffer family:

We first met Ida Soffer shortly after she moved to Aventura. What a beautiful and lovely woman! She was friendly to everyone, gracious and compassionate. Over the years, as we saw each other at community events, Ida always expressed her support and interest in our activities, and made us feel like close friends.

Her family was her most important concern - and the way she cared for her sisters and brother, their families, and her own wonderful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren - were inspiring to all who were privileged to know her.

May Ida's memory be a blessing for all of her family - and all who loved her!

With love, Elaine and Philip Bloom

Jill Kelfer

August 19, 2006

'The pain passes; but the beauty remains.'
..... Pierre Auguste Renoir

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Mrs. Soffer. Although I didn't know her very well, it is very clear to me how very special she must have been to have had such a wonderful family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you,

Jim Bennett

August 19, 2006

Dear Rita, Barry, Jay and Danny,

Please accept our families deepest condolences for the passing of your Mother/Grandmother Ida. May your memories of her bring inspiration and a smile to each of you and your families well into the future.

Dan Gelber

August 18, 2006

I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Soffer but I've heard wonderful stories about her from many of our mutual friends.

I send all of you my condolences during this difficult time.

I know you share many happy memories of her.

Dan Gelber,

Incoming Minority Leader

State House Representative, District 106

Naomi Bennett

August 17, 2006

Many years ago I went into Weinstein’s Restaurant and saw Ida sitting alone, waiting for one of her family members to arrive and join her for lunch. Ida asked me to sit down with her and I did. We had a great time talking about all of you. She was so very proud of each and every one of you.

Years later, when I moved to Florida, we would see each other at the place to be---Turnberry. There was always a kiss, a smile and a laugh or two. Rita’s parties were great fun and sometimes Ida made her specialties. Rugalah and stuffed cabbage were the best!

Ida will always be remembered by those who knew her with great affection. She had a beautiful smile that was always there for anyone and everyone. She was a stunning and delightful woman who made everyone feel special. She was genuinely interested in everyone. Your family was truly blessed to have had her.

Although the last years have been so very difficult, I know that you can derive strength and comfort from your many good memories and be grateful for the good years, and there were many.

My deepest condolences and love,

Naomi Bennett

([email protected])

Sally Heyman

August 16, 2006

Dear Don and family:

We were saddened to learn of Ida's passing. We know your family will feel her absence deeply.

She was known for her deep commitment to everything she undertook and will be sorely missed by many. She was admired and will never be replaced in our memory.

We just wanted you to know that our prayers and our sympathy are with you at this time.

Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman & staff

Denise Madan

August 15, 2006

Dearest Don and Entire Family,

Although it has been years since I have seen many of you and we all live in the same city, I was deeply saddened when my husband told me that Ida had passed away. I remember Ida, and who could forget her, with her warm smile, kind words for everyone, and infectous laugh, just like yesterday. How many times did she come to the restaurant at the originial Turnberry Towers and wait for Don or Rita, or one of her grandchildren before she sat down at a table? Or all the evenings she came to the "Members Event"to participate in the activities...but she always came early and left early. I can see her vision, sitting at a table playing games with her girlfriends during the day.

You could tell how proud and how much she loved her entire family. Her face always beamed with pride and love when one of you walked into a room.

I send all of you my condolences during this difficult time. I lost my mother a couple of years ago and my dad last year. I know how sad and empty you must feel right now. But you have thousands of warm memories of Ida to reflect upon. Just remembering her smiling face puts a smile in my heart. She was a great lady.

Nanci Badiner

August 13, 2006

Dear Rita, Jay, Eugene, Lois and Families:

We are sorry for the loss of your mother, sister and grandmother. We love you all very much and our thoughts are with you.

Nanci, Scotch & Soda Badiner

Jessica Markovitz-Mroz

August 11, 2006

My deepest sympathies on the loss of a great matriarch. I remember her only from childhood, but remember a wonderful, loving mother and grandmother. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Soffer family during your time of grief.

Jessica

Loretta Melnichak Ernst

August 11, 2006

Dear Rita and Family:

You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. May the grace of God be with her. May the Peace of the Lord be with you and your family.

Albert & Magdaline, Anne Melnichak

Loretta Melnichak Ernst

(Eleanor Mitrik brother and family)

Jeff Pollock, Esq.

August 11, 2006

Dear Barry and Family:

I was saddened to read of the passing of your grandmother. Please accept my condolences.

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