Sharon Marlene Katz

Sharon Marlene Katz obituary

Sharon Katz Obituary

Sharon Marlene Katz (41) died in New York City on Wednesday, September 4th, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Sharon was a kind, sweet, gentle person with tremendous inner strength who loved her friends and family dearly and was beloved by all. She had a powerful intellect and work ethic which she used to help others, especially those less fortunate than herself. In her work as an LCSW, she made a positive, sometimes life changing difference in so many young peoples' lives. She had an extraordinary gift of communication with no barriers. Her kindness, her commitment to service, her excellence and her ability to experience and share joy and fun touched everyone that knew her. She inspired her colleagues with her creativity, love and respect. Her courage and strength in the face of serious illness was a gift to all. She was an involved, loyal, loving and devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Sharon is the beloved daughter of Dr. Evan Katz (Irene Warner) and Michele Levin (Dr. Thomas Naidich) and cherished sister of Dr. Debbie Katz (Barry Hunter), David (Lesley) Pincus, Stacey Katz (Braham Dembar) and Anthony (Robyn) Katz. Sharon was a devoted aunt to Sam, Julia and Russell Hunter, Jessie, Josh and Anna Pincus, Allie and Jacob Dembar and Andrew and Rebecca Katz. She was step-sister to Karen Warner, Sandy Naidich, Don Levan, Shelley Margolis and Jarett Levan. Sharon was pre-deceased by her beloved sister Amy Katz Pincus (d. 2000) and step-mother Terri Levan Katz (d. 1999). Sharon was born and raised in Miami. She attended elementary school at Temple Beth Am Day School and middle and high school at Ransom Everglades where she graduated as valedictorian in 1989. Sharon's academic excellence continued at Yale University where she received her B.S. in Psychology, summa cum laude in 1993. She worked at the Yale Child Study Center before receiving her Master's in Social Work from Barry University in 2001. She then moved to Lexington, KY where she worked at the University of Kentucky Center on Trauma and Children. She moved back to Miami in 2006 and spent the last six years as Program Director and then Director of Supervision and Research at Casa Valentina, an organization which provides housing, guidance, medical care and educational and psychosocial support for youth who have aged out of foster care. In 2011, Sharon received an award from the Miami-Dade Community Based Care Alliance for her "unfaltering commitment and support of the youth in the foster care community and for ensuring that they are prepared for their successful transition to adulthood." We are grateful for the superb care and compassion given to Sharon by the Palliative Care Team at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 12:30 PM at Temple Beth Sholom, 4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach, with internment to follow at Mt. Nebo Cemetery, 5505 N.W. 3rd St., Miami. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mount Sinai Breast Health Resource Program, c/o Andrea Geduld ([email protected]), 16 E. 98 St., # 1B, NY, NY 10029 or to Casa Valentina (www.casavalentina.org for online donation) or by mail to 2990 S.W. 35th Ave., Miami, FL 33133.

Published by Miami Herald on Sep. 6, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Sharon Katz

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I remember Sharon as a beautiful curly haired baby and saw her grow into a beautiful young woman.May her family find peace.

Joan Gross

September 24, 2013

Sharon was a very special person who loved and was so very generous with her uplifting spirit to everyone who came in her path. I remember our long conversations, and I will never forget her strengths. She had such a positive attitude, and she inspired me. All of my love to Evan and the entire family.

Love,
Sandy Cohen

Sandy Cohen

September 15, 2013

I will always remember you Sharon. I miss you so much already and I wish people like you don't pass. I will always be your Casa Valentina sister. You were a great mentor and a wonderful friend. I love you with all my heart and you really inspired me to live my life. Because of you and with your help I am a FIU graduate. Every time I look on my wall at that piece of paper I will remember you. Now who will edit my papers. :) I love you Sharon and I will always remember you. Sending the Katz family love and my condolence.

Rachel Johnson

September 15, 2013

Dear Friends and Family, thank you so much for your many kind words, thoughts and remembrances of Sharon. Your support is truly appreciated by all of her family.

Irene Warner-Katz - Sharon's step mom and her dad Evan Katz

September 11, 2013

There are few people in this world that clearly have a light to shine on the world. Whether it was her incredibly kind heart, her beautiful voice or brilliant smile, Sharon shone brightly in this world and I'm so incredibly saddened to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to her family.

Rebecca Neal-Beevers (R-E, '89)

September 11, 2013

Belated condolances. My thoughts are with you. I am gled that I got to know Sharon even for a short time.

Daniel Nahum

September 10, 2013

I will always remember Sharon with deepest affection and admiration. I feel fortunate to have known her. Rest on peace, dear Sharon.

Ann Goesel

September 9, 2013

Deepest sympathies to the Katz family. May remembering Sharon always bring you comfort. "God is for us a refuge and strength." Psalms

Daniels Family

September 9, 2013

Thanks to everyone for their beautiful messages about Sharon. We appreciate them so much. It is clear Sharon was dearly loved and is remembered with so much fondness and gratitude. Many thanks again for the beautiful tributes.

Debbie (Sharon's sister)
[email protected]

Debbie Katz

September 9, 2013

I remember Sharon from Ransom as a person who embodied brilliance and humility; rarely found in such abundance in one person.
My deepest condolences to Sharon's family and closest friends. May it be of some comfort to know that so many are mourning the end of her exemplary life.

Lee A. Geller, RE '89

September 8, 2013

Our sincere condolences to the entire family, May Sharon's memory be for a blessing.

Karen Lipkind

September 8, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Love from the Goodman Family.

Melissa Royer

September 8, 2013

How sad to lose such a beautiful soul.....our thoughts are with the family at this most difficult time.

Ronni Litz Julien

September 8, 2013

She will be in our hearts forever!!! Robert, Nathali and Michael

Pincus Family

September 8, 2013

Words do not begin to express how deeply saddened I am by the news of my little Katz passing. She was such a gift to this world. I am just so grateful that she was a part of mine. I will always treasure the memories I have of her, and keep them close to my heart. Peace and love to you always my dearest Katz.

September 8, 2013

I'll remember Sharon's warm heart and easy smile, especially from Ransom days. I know her memory will be honored by all the kids whose lives became better through her guidance and generosity of spirit. Our thoughts are with Sharon's family

Scott Storper

September 7, 2013

Before they were called "play dates", Sharon and I shared many afternoons playing together when we were kids in Devonwood. I am truly shocked and saddened by her passing. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.

Nikki Elkins

September 7, 2013

Dearest Sharon's family,
I have known Sharon since she was in at least 4th grade, if not earlier. I'm a few years older so we never went to school together, but we sang in the High Holy Day Choir, the Beth Americans, New Generation and Troubadours singing groups at Temple Beth Am together...forever. Sharon could sing notes that would stop you in your tracks. I can hear her singing "Tomorrow" from Annie and Abba's "Thank You For The Music" clear as a bell in my head. As a matter of fact, every time I hear those songs, among others, I think of Sharon. I saw Sharon a few years back at Beth Am. It had been years since we had seen each other, but I was lucky enough to chat (as often as we could) on Facebook together. One of the kindest people I know. I don't think I ever heard her raise her voice (other than singing) to anyone. So sweet, so kind, so gentle. You will be missed. Go sing with the angels. I will always hear you singing in my head when I'm singing. Rest in peace my friend.
XOXO,
Susan Shane-Linder

Susan Shane-Linder

September 7, 2013

Sharon was a treasure. Her wit, humor, and compassion made spending time with her a joy. Her courage through her illness was unbelievable, an inspiration, and a lesson. Sending deeply felt sympathy to all who knew her.

Wendy Oliver-Pyatt

September 7, 2013

With love and deepest sympathy, Katie Largent

Katie Largent

September 7, 2013

Donald will always remember his first babysitter who taught him so many funny songs. The entire Ellison family sends its prayers and love to the entire Katz family.

The Ellison Family

September 7, 2013

The world is a better place because Sharon passed through . . . only too quickly.

September 6, 2013

I am so shocked & saddened by the news. She was such a calm soul - she was always so positive. She will be missed.

Sabina Frank-Holtzman

September 6, 2013

Rest in peace, my sweet friend

Jackie Collaso

September 6, 2013

My thoughts are with you all. I miss her, as I know you all do. Although we met only two years ago, she has been a pretty constant fixture in my life. We would get together at least once a week, sometimes more. And I always treasured our long walks and in depth conversations. She was a generous listener and always offered thoughtful and caring advice. Despite everything she was going through, her first question to me was always a sincere "How are YOU doing/feeling?" She was really unbelievable.

Karen Sonet-Rosenthal

September 6, 2013

Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with her family and friends during this most difficult time.

Melissa Mobley

September 6, 2013

Sharon and I became best friends right away when we met at Ransom. The memories are beautiful and countless: chorus, plays, trips, prom.... I love her very much, and I am so honored to be the friend of such a generous woman. I write in the present tense because I believe she is, and always will be, with me. I offer my love and support to all of her family.

Trae Williamson

September 6, 2013

My heart is broken. I will alway cherish my memories of my dear friend and have the peace of knowing that our dear Sharon is in heaven singing with the angels and Dancing the Orange.

Erica McKinney, RE Class of 1989

September 6, 2013

We will always remember the kindness and compassion Sharon shared with our family. She was without a doubt one of the finest human beings we have known. Very giving and forever a good friend. We are so blessed that Sharon touched our lives through her friendship with out son Trae.

Carol and Ed Williamson

September 6, 2013

With heartfelt condolences of peace, love and warm wishes to Sharon's family & friends. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the many loving memories you have of Sharon sustain you during this difficult time. - Nicholas Graham (R-E Class of 1986); Ashburn, Virginia

September 6, 2013

Sharon,
You will remembered as a treasure to all who were blessed to be touched by your life. You are, and always will be in our hearts. With our deepest sympathy to your large and devoted family and special love to your father and his always supportive, Irene and, of course, to your mother and her
caring Tom. Your radiance will never be forgotten.With all our love, Marlin and David

marlin and david feldman

September 6, 2013

I was heartbroken to hear of Sharon's passing! While at Ransom, she was always so delightful, kind and sweet! You could always count on a happy, big smile and a kind word from her. She will be missed!

Joy Tracey

September 6, 2013

I'm so sad to hear this news and remember Sharon from Ransom days. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Paige Meginley RE '90

September 6, 2013

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