Arlene Sternfeld

Arlene Ziman Sternfeld passed away peacefully April 21, 2015 at the age of 86.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she attended Cornell University. Always a woman to go her own way, Arlene graduated in 1949 with distinction in mathematics and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa society.

While at Cornell, Arlene met Harry Sternfeld Jr (also class of ?49). They married and spent the next 66 years together raising three children: Roger Sternfeld of Ambler, PA; Donald Sternfeld of Blacksburg and Arlington, VA; and Susan Sternfeld Shaw of Rose Valley, PA. Arlene and Harry are also the proud grandparents of six grandchildren: Tim Sternfeld, Jenny Sternfeld, Max Shaw, Ben Sternfeld, Danny Sternfeld, and Joshua Sternfeld.

Arlene was not only a professional woman in the fields of statistics, market research, education and financial advice, but very active both politically and civically. She was active in the Democratic party, spent many an election night at the polls as a ?watcher,? was a Carter delegate to the 1976 Democratic convention, and remained interested and engaged throughout her adult life. Arlene also continued her involvement with Cornell as an interviewer and member of the secondary school committee, as well as staying active with Phi Beta Kappa.

Arlene?s children and grandchildren remember her as loving and caring, but definitely with strong ideas of right and wrong. ?We always knew she loved us deeply, even when she might not fully approve of what we were doing at that moment.? Never one to shy away from conflict or hold her opinions in check, Arlene was involved in the local schools and, while never elected to the school board, was extremely influential as a parent and community member. An avid knitter, she earned the nickname ?Madame Defarge? and caused many a politician to become concerned when she picked up her knitting needles as they finished speaking.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Harry, their three children and their spouses, her brother Roger Ziman (of New York City), and six grandchildren. They will always remember her for her keen mind, courage to say what she thought, and the love that she had for them and those around her.

She will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 14 at 2pm, at the Town Hall in Riddle Village, 1048 W Baltimore Pike, Media PA 19063.

Donations in Arlene?s name may be made to:

Cornell University General Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 25842
Lehigh Valley, PA 18003-9692
In memory of Arlene Z. Sternfeld Class of 1949

www.haganfuneralhome.com