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Sara Schaffer-Pollack Obituary
ALBANY - Sara Ellen Schaffer-Pollack, 64, passed away peacefully at Albany Medical Center on February 17, after a brief illness, surrounded by loving family and friends.
Sara was the beloved wife of Michael Pollack. Born in Albany on November 28, 1959, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Harriet Schaffer and the youngest sister of the late Merle Schaffer (Lewis) Sperber, Howard A. Schaffer (Simma), and Donna (of beloved memory Harry) Minassian. She is also survived by her fur babies, Sophia and Puccini and numerous cousins on both sides who will remember her for her creativity, artistic talents, and zest for adventure.
Sara's life was filled with kindness towards dogs. She was dedicated to animal husbandry through her work as a Certified Veterinary Technician. For three decades, families throughout the Capital Region knew Sara for her concern for canine care. Sara was a volunteer for Albany's Jewish Family Services. She assumed different roles from serving meals at the JCC to the elderly to doing visitations as well as stuffing holiday gift bags. She was a member of Congregation Beth Emeth Sisterhood. Sara was an avid fan of Albany's music scene where she befriended many talented artists. She was a graduate of Albany High School, an alumni of The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and an alumni of the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music.
Those wishing to remember Sara can make a contribution to the ASPCA, or the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society
Funeral services for Sara will be held on Tuesday, February 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Rd., in Albany. Burial will follow at The Hebrew Farmers Cemetery on Western Ave., in Guilderland. To leave a message of condolence for the family online, please visit LevineMemorialChapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sara Schaffer-Pollack
Balva Rande
April 28, 2024
My hearfelt condolences to Sara's family. Sara's older sister Merle was my classmate at Albany High. And somehow I became friends with Sara over the years. We bonded over our mutual love of animals. Sara had the biggest heart and biggest smile. When I was in recovery after a bone fracture, Sara immediately asked me what I needed and she was ready to pick up anything for me. I so appreciated the sincere gesture. I last saw her when the Ocean State store was closing at Westgate. She yelled out my name and we blocked the aisles talking for the longest time! And we were constant friends on Facebook. I loved Sara dearly and this is still such a shock. She was vibrant, caring, animal and human loving. The world is poorer without her.. Her memory will survive along with the good traces she left behind. I miss her. Hugs to her family .
Meg Sgamblore
February 26, 2024
I miss you my dear friend. Wherever you were there was always fun and laughter. Life is not the same without you here.
Vicky O'Brien
February 23, 2024
Sara was a wonderful person and friend. She will be missed by her family and many friends. She passed way too soon and I am shocked and sad about her death. She will live forever in our memories.
Judith Rickman
February 23, 2024
I´m very sorry to hear of Sara´s passing. She was a creative, affectionate and kind soul. May her memory always be for a blessing.
Teresa Prinzo Husson
February 22, 2024
I am so very saddened to hear Sara has passed. We went to high school together and reconnected as adults. She was indeed a kind, loving , wonderful lady, and will be missed by many!
Mary Lou Bartolotta-Connolly
February 21, 2024
Howard, Simma and family: Please accept my prayers in memory of your sister, Sara, she certainly had a full life. Music fulfilled much of her life -- nothing more beautiful and her love of animals -- what joy they bring to us. To you and your family, cherish the memories you shared with her and I am sure they will bring a smile to your faces. God Bless. Mary Lou Bartolotta-Connolly
Nancy Fisher Driscoll
February 20, 2024
Sara Schaffer will be missed...a colorful soul on this earth was she. Sara was my next door neighbor growing up on Euclid Ave and she along with my sister Betsy and other neighbor Mary had infinite fun together playing. I was always admired her creativity. One fond memory I have was when we were teenagers she had me over and took out her guitar and played it for me. Sara was so cool playing the guitar and she was good. RIP Sara!
Richard Hamecher
February 20, 2024
I was so sad to hear of Sara's passing. Many great memories through the years. Sara was a most unique individual.
Matthew Panza
February 20, 2024
Sara you will be greatly missed but never forgotten RIP
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