Vivi Sadel

Vivi Sadel (nee Sherman) of Holland, PA, passed away on February 26, 2026, unexpectedly and prematurely at the age of 56.

Vivi was born in Haifa, Israel to the late Ezra and Sara Sherman. Vivi is survived by her husband of 31 years, Dr. Keith Sadel, her sons Benjamin and Sidney, her sister Estee Solar (Jeff) and brother Steve Sherman (Lana).

Vivi moved with her family from Haifa at the age of 4 to Long Island, NY, they then settled in Northeast Philadelphia at the age of 5. She met Keith in her 7th grade Spanish class at Baldi Middle School. At Washington High School, Vivi and Keith rekindled their friendship and dated in 12th grade for a short time. Vivi studied at GW University and Drexel and then ended up matriculating to Temple University where Keith and Vivi reconnected. They started dating and then married in 1994. She was the love of Keith’s life. Vivi worked as a substitute teacher at Bensalem High School supporting her and Keith while he was in medical school. She received a Master of Education at Arcadia University while working full-time. Vivi taught at multiple schools within the City of Philadelphia school system and at Finletter Elementary School teaching Kindergarten. She always excelled in anything she did. She was loved by her students and colleagues.

In 2000, Benjamin was born and in 2002, Sidney was born. She dedicated all her time as a full time mother to Ben and Sid. As with anything she did, she dedicated all of her time to being the best mom to her kids. Looking at the amazing men that they have turned into showed her dedication to being a great mother. While working and being a mother, she helped Keith open a new medical office and was able to research and buy a building for the future medical office in Southampton. She became an integral part of the business and not only the best wife but also an important business partner.

Vivi devoted countless evenings and weekends to teaching and tutoring Hebrew school at Congregation Shaare Shamayim in Philadelphia and later at Ohev Shalom in Richboro. Her students adored her, and she left a lasting impact on generations, instilling in them confidence, curiosity, and pride in their heritage.

She was a true Zionist fighting antisemitism. She became a part of the IAC (Israeli-American) counsel and was the only non-lawyer in the group, helping victims of antisemitism. She was active in the ZOA of greater Philadelphia, lobbying in Harrisburg and Washington DC. Her skills and work ethic were outstanding and her drive was like no other. She became a beloved member of the Newtown Chabad, developing new friendships and relationships.

Vivi’s love for Israel, Judaism, and Zionism was central to her life. She shared that passion with everyone she met. In the aftermath of October 7th, she courageously organized a year-long fundraiser and supply drive to support troops on the ground in Israel, naming it “Operation Ezra” in honor of her late father, a Holocaust survivor. Her strength, conviction, and unwavering commitment to her people were a testament to her character.

Vivi was the kindest soul, always putting others first and opening both her home and her heart to family and friends near and far. She had a remarkable gift for connecting with people of all ages and will be sorely missed by all.

Relatives and friends are invited to funeral services on Monday, March 2 at 11:00AM at Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Funeral Directors Southampton, 310 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream link is available here. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park.

Contributions can be made in her memory to Friends of the IDF at www.fidf.org or to Lubavitch of Bucks County at www.jewishcenter.info.