Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Sonya Shapiro Obituary
After a long and courageous, six-year battle with cancer Dr. Sonya Shapiro passed away on May 19, 2014, two days after her 87th birthday at the Joe Raso Hospice.
Dr. Shapiro was born in New York City to Maritime Service Captain Theodore I. Feinne and Bernice Feinne, who started the first interracial day care center in New York City during World War II, which is still flourishing.
A distinguished educator and a community activist, Dr. Shapiro was passionate about helping people achieve their maximum capability. She believed that no matter what your background, a good education is a ticket to successful life. Dr. Shapiro received her BA and MA from New York University, and earned her Ed.D from Columbia University's Teacher's College.
Dr. Shapiro started her career as a special education teacher in the New York City school system. As a young mother, she helped establish the pre-school PTA and was deeply involved in the East Ramapo school system where she worked relentlessly to help pass school budgets and bond issues. She was active in PTA for many years.
Dr. Shapiro was an Associate Dean of Pace University, and subsequently, was professor and Dean at City University in New York City. From 1992 to 2000, she was Director of Adult Education Services for Rockland County BOCES. For the past 14 years, she served on the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees. In 2008, she was honored as "Person of the Year" by the Rockland Community College Foundation.
As a community activist, Dr. Shapiro was dedicated to the work of the League of Women Voters of Rockland County and was a life member of the NAACP. She served on the Board of the Friends of the Finkelstein Memorial Library. She received numerous commendations and honors for her community service, including awards from the Rockland County Holocaust Center and Planned Parenthood.
Dr. Shapiro is survived by her beloved husband Milton. She and her husband Milton, had a 66 year love affair. She always said her life didn't begin until she met him. She is also survived by her loving daughter Susan and son-in-law Santi, and her two precious grandchildren Ana and Rio.
Funeral services will be held today Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Gates of Zion Cemetery, 670 Saddle River Road, Airmont, NY. Shiva will be observed at the family home through sundown Friday evening. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rockland Community College Foundation, 145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901. For additional information contact Hellman Memorial Chapels, (845) 356-8600.
Hellman Memorial Chapels
15 State Street
Spring Valley, NY
(845) 356-8600
Jewish Funeral Directors
www.hellmanmemorial.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sonya Shapiro
Ronald Lawyer
May 21, 2014
Dr. Sonya Shapiro,
You were such a wonderful person to RCC and the whole Rockland Community at large. I had the privilege to had spoken with you so many times on phone while a Student Assistant in the Office of the President in the college before I finally got to meet you in person. You were amazing person filled with kindness, humility, and love for all.
May your beautiful soul rest in peace.
My prayers also to Mr. Milton and Susan respectively.
May 21, 2014
Sonya,
You were my other mother growing up. May you rest in peace.
Leslie Sperandeo
Michael & Kathleen Gurski
May 21, 2014
Dear Milton & Susan, So sorry to read of Sonya's passing. What a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 21, 2014
My deep sympathy is offered to Dr. Shapiro's family. Sonya's dedication to the adult learners of Rockland County was not just outstanding it was her mission and her life work. Sonya's impact over the years touched the minds and hearts of thousands of adults who had the opportunity to better their lives.
Albert V. Moschetti, Supervisor Rockand BOCES Adult Education
May 21, 2014
Sonya I remember your work setting up the college centers at the high schools. Just another example of the many programs and institutions you invested your time and energy in to promote education.
Mimi Elfenbein
Don Cairns
May 20, 2014
Sonya, You did so much for so many throughout the years in helping others achieve their educational goals and dreams. May you always continue to smell the roses.
Peggy Hatton
May 20, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to Dr. Sonya Shapiro's family and friends. I had the pleasure of sitting with the Shapiro's at an NAACP dinner. I received an award that night and It was an honor to sit next to Dr. Shapiro. We spoke at length about issues that plagued the ERCSD. She was a lovely and caring woman dedicated to education.
Peggy Hatton
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Sonya Shapiro's name
Memorial Events
for Sonya Shapiro
Funeral services provided by:
Hellman Memorial Chapels - Spring Valley15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977
How to support Sonya's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Sonya Shapiro's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
