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Emily Shaffer Obituary
Emily SHAFFER Emily Shaffer, née Sameth April 17, 1927, of Seattle, died at the age of 83 from metastatic breast cancer on Feb. 19, 2011 underthe compassionate care of the staff at Evergreen Hospice and surrounded by loving family. Her friends, family, and Seattle as a whole suffer a great loss in her death. Emily was committed to forwarding social welfare. She married Aaron Shaffer in 1950 and they moved to Los Angeles, where, as a social worker, she helped seniors, unwed parents, children of divorce, adoptive parents, and families. She participated in anti-war marches, advocated successfully to turn green land into a state park, and registered voters, forwarding the democratic process. On returning to Seattle, Emily joined Neighborhood House, serving on its board and working with children in its Head Start Program. She made a record 80 donations to Neighborhood House from 1986-2010. She also joined the Seattle Section of the National Council of Jewish Women, serving in many offices and as president from 1996-98. In 2007, she was granted the Hannah G. Solomon Award, the NCJW's highest honor. She was also a board member of the Washington State Jewish Historical Society , serving as its president from 2001-3 and participating actively in its programs. This list does not begin to cover Emily's extensive contributions to these organizations and Seattle's welfare as a whole. Her life serves as a model to follow. Emily is preceded in death by husband of 46 years, Aaron, and by her parents, Stella and James Sameth. She is survived by son Noah, his wife Linda, and their sons Matt and Andrew; by daughter Julie; and by son Ted, his wife Lori, and their children Sam, Joel, and Rachel. She is also survived by her brother Irwin and his family. In lieu of flowers, Emily's family suggests donations to Neighborhood House (206-461-8430), NCJW Seattle Section(425-558-1894), or any other pertinent organization. A memorial celebration will be held on March 21, 2011, at the Mercer Island Community Center from 1-4 p.m. Sign Emily's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emily Shaffer
Deborah Marlott
February 18, 2020
Never forgotten.
Deborah Marlott
February 18, 2019
You are not forgotten!
Deborah
March 21, 2011
Emily, your memorial was amazing, just like you! SO many loved you as I did. Your spirit was there as I felt you there glowing with all your family and friends. You left a footprint in this journey! And yes, I too tried to help you with your computer:) Keep on leaving your footprints in your new journey! YOU will always be loved by so many!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pat Wynn
March 20, 2011
Emily was in inspiration to me and my family. She was always curious; always game for a new adventure. What a gal!! We will be miss you!
Alice Copp Smith
March 19, 2011
Emily and I moved to the same block on Mercer Island within a year or so of each other, in the mid-1970s. On getting acquainted, we discovered not only that we had each moved from a different suburb of Los Angeles but that we had taken part in several of the same peace marches there. Our shared love of music led to our attending many concerts together. After Aaron’s death, I treasured the drives with her, on which we always talked about books we were reading, films we had seen, and her most recent travels. Her interests were wide, and her intellectual curiosity was boundless. She was the best possible neighbor—always the first to offer help to neighbors and friends when it was needed. And she had probably the most optimistic outlook of anyone I’ve ever known. I’ll miss her, and I’ll try to channel that positive spirit. In her memory I’ve made a donation to the Seattle Baroque Orchestra, to which she was a loyal subscriber. Her spirit will be there in every note they play.
Sari Schneider
March 9, 2011
Whenever anyone or organization needed help of any kind, Emily didn't have to be asked twice = & of course, that made it extremely difficult to say no to her.
Jane Isenberg
March 9, 2011
Emily was one of the first friends I made after moving here and shared her impressions of growing up Jewish in Seattle. She was a brave, generous, and bright light in the gloom for me and I wish I'd met her sooner. My heart goes out to her family and her many other friends.
Jane Isenberg
Kate Daly
March 3, 2011
Emily enriched my life in the short time that we knew one another. I was blessed to be introduced to her eighteen months ago. We both marveled at how similar we were in our beliefs and interests despite our different ages and backgrounds. Emily had a true gift of relating to everyone with her sincere, compassionate and generous spirit (and her sense of humor...she sure made me laugh!). She inspired all who knew her to live life with determination, purpose and grace. I'll always remember her response to me when I commented on her courage and strength when she recovered and moved back into her home last year: "I love my life. I don't want to miss a minute!". Emily made every minute count. I will always treasure my friendship with her. Goodbye Emily. I miss you and our wonderful conversations.
Martha & Russ Thayer
February 28, 2011
Emily was a like a wonderful second mom to us. Ever amusing, full of good advice, and always ready to feed and house my family and steer us toward a good art exhibit. We shall miss her.
Susan
February 27, 2011
Emily, you were a shining sparkler! I so enjoyed my time with you and your wonderful family. Thinking of them now during this time of sadness.
Susan (GHC Hospice)
Joyce Remy
February 27, 2011
So sorry you have lost your lively, caring, inspiring mom. Owen will always recall how she dazzled him by microwaving ice cream to soften it and said, "Sometimes things surprise us." Much love to Julie and family.
Barbie Silverman Hauke
February 27, 2011
Emily was an inspiration to all of us who knew and loved her. She showed us how to live life, advocating for others while enjoying her own. She will be dearly missed.
Kirk Brattkus and Erica Fishman
February 27, 2011
Our condolences go out to the entire Sameth family. My Emily's memory be for a blessing!
Thelma Sameth
February 26, 2011
I've lost my sister-in-law and one of my best friends. I and all her many friends will miss her so much. I'll always be grateful that they moved to Seattle.
Katharine Wright
February 26, 2011
I'm so glad I had a chance to meet Emily, and am sorry I didn't have more time to get to know her. My sympathies to her wonderful family.
Benjamin S.
February 25, 2011
I first met Emily when I was 6. She was my brother's and my social worker for Jewish Big Brothers. Even though that connection ended after 10 years or so, my family kept in touch throughout the years. We visited everytime we came to the Puget Sound area and continued getting together after I moved to the area when I enrolled at the UW.
I miss her.
Jane Sameth Fishman
February 25, 2011
Aunt Emily was an inspiration and great role model to me in so many ways, as I know she was to all who had the honor of knowing her. Her boundless energy, her spirit, and optimistic attitude never wavered. I'll always remember that smile and her genuine zest for life. I loved her dearly and will miss her.
Lori Kraft
February 24, 2011
Emily was an amazing force of energy in her own quiet way and I know that she will be missed greatly. My sincerest condolences to her family; all of whom I know she loved dearly.
February 24, 2011
I was so sad to see Emily's notice in the paper this morning. I only knew her recently as we served on the Board of the WSJHS. I was the secretary there for some years and valued Emily's wise counsl. She was a charming woman and I loved talking with her. Joyce Dickhaut
Deborah
February 24, 2011
Emily, to your strong will, determination in this journey. I was graced to have known you. You are now free to travel the stars and the heavens. See you in the next journey.
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