Sophie Brody

BRODY, SOPHIE Sophie Brody, 81, beloved philanthropist and community volunteer, passed away on Tuesday, August 24, following a brief illness. She was born and educated in New Jersey, graduated from Upsala College, and pursued a Masters Degree at Rutgers University. Sophie met her husband of 60 years, Arthur, while borrowing a book from this family's lending library. After their marriage she taught secondary school history. When Arthur was sent overseas in World War II, Sophie assumed management of their business, BroDart Industries. While raising her children, Janice and Donald, Sophie became involved as a volunteer in numerous community organizations and held major leadership positions in the Jewish community. The Brodys relocated to San Diego in 1982 and Sophie immediately became involved in the community by joining the Board of the Women's Division of the United Jewish Federation. For 22 years she served in every capacity of the Federation, participated in numerous trips to Israel, and was an invaluable member of the Executive Committee. In 1991 the Federation honored Sophie with the Anne Ratner Award for Distinguished Community Service and shortly thereafter the Women's Division installed her as an Honorary Life member. Responding to the need for experienced leadership, the Sophie Brody Leadership Development Fund was created by Sophie and Arthur to enable the Federation to train future leaders for the Jewish Community. Sophie devoted considerable time to numerous other organizations, especially to the Seacrest Village Retirement Homes, which honored her exceptional contributions at the 2004 Women's Auxiliary Luncheon. She was an active and committed member of the Boards of the San Diego Opera, the Jewish Community Foundation, and the UCSD Rebecca and John Moores Cancer Center Foundation. Sophie is survived by her loving husband, Arthur; daughter Janice Brody and her husband Bruce Rule; son Donald Brody and his wife Toby Mickelson; and five grandsons, Cameron and Brandon Rule and Harris, Evan, and Alex Brody. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, August 26, 2 p.m. at Congregation Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Center Drive, San Diego, 92122. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the UCSD Rebecca and John Moores Cancer Center or to the Women's Division of United Jewish Federation. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com