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Sophie Silfen Obituary
SOPHIE SILFEN
On Sunday, December 26, 2010, Sophie Silfen of Washington, DC. Beloved sister of Celia Silfen; also survived by her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Funeral service will be held at Adas Israel Congregation, 2850 Quebec Street, NW, Washington, DC on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 10 am. Interment private in Arlington National Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Sophie Silfen Shalom Tinok Fund c/o Adas Israel Congregation. Arrangements by Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, Inc. under Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington Contract.
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Memories and Condolences
for Sophie Silfen
2 Entries
Carol Ansell
January 5, 2011
I knew Sophie for over 16 years at Adas Israel Congregation. I work there. Sophie worked there too, in so many, many capacities. She was the volunteer par excellence. We called her the Mitzvah Queen, and she was indeed a Queen. She was and, in memory. always will be a member of the Adas Israel family. She was our mother, our grandmother, our conscience. She showed, by her life, how we should live ours. Living up to her example is a goal many of us will never reach, but she inspired us to try; she inspired ME to try. She was a light to us all at Adas Israel, and for me at least, that light will never be extinguished. Rest in peace, Sophie, your final peace is richly earned.
Pat Jernigan
January 4, 2011
To the Silfen family and to her many friends, my condolences on the passing of an incredible woman -- it appears that she was extremely active in volunteer work, in the work of the Adas Israel Congregation, and in other community outreach efforts. I am sorry that I did not know her!
When I saw her name listed for the Arlington burials I "felt" that there must be a significant story behind the name. From a quick internet search I learned that she was born in New York City in 1913, she had three years of high school (for the time she was probably a graduate), and she worked as a bookkeeper/cashier before enlisting in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in early 1943.
This was a daunting step for a young woman to take particularly at that time! She would have been older than the typical enlistee, with substantial work experience and maturity. Women's military service, even during time of war, was not appreciated by quite a few.
By 1952 she was a master sergeant in the WAC -- then the highest rank for an enlisted woman. She was selected, with a small number of other women, to represent the US Army at the unveiling ceremony for a stamp commemorating women's service in the armed forces. She must have been an outstanding WAC to be selected for this honor! President Harry Truman presided at the ceremony.
From other on line information I learned that she likely took her basic training at Ft Oglethorpe, Ga., and was assigned to Ft Dix, N.J., Ft Meade Md., and also in Japan. She retired in 1966.
It is noteworthy that having served her country for over 20 years she spent the rest of her life in service to her faith and to others.
I salute Master Sergeant Silfen. May she rest in peace.
(former WAC)
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Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home - Silver Spring11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904
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