Obituary: Andrea Starkand Stark
After a purposeful, joyful, life well-lived, Andrea Starkand Stark passed away on July 21 with loved ones at her side.
After a purposeful, joyful, life well-lived, Andrea Starkand Stark passed away on July 21 with loved ones at her side.
Andrea was born in New Jersey on November 8, 1947, to Esther and Sidney Polkowitz. Her childhood years were filled with special memories of time with her sister, Phyllis, and brother, Robert. She fondly recalled ice-skating, trips to Radio City Music Hall, visiting the Jersey shore, working in Central Park and attending numerous holiday gatherings. The family later moved to Arizona, where Andrea finished college and earned a master’s degree in Special Education.
Andrea dedicated her lifelong career to teaching children with developmental disabilities. She helped countless students “go to their strengths.” Over the years, many stayed in touch to share news of their continued progress.
Andrea spent most of her teaching life in Los Angeles, where she raised her daughter, Shana. She enjoyed mentoring other teachers and continuing her passion for challenging students until her retirement in 2002.
Most important to Andrea were her family, home and hearth. Time with her daughter, Shana, and her dear grandchildren, Leo and Jack, were of the utmost joy. Andrea took great pride in being a parent and she embraced the role of grandparent with even more affection, wisdom and generosity. Theater, travel and seeing the world mostly by sea were great passions for Andrea. She visited numerous countries and loved to speak fluent Spanish whenever the opportunity presented itself. In addition to travel, she was a proud hospital volunteer, led civic groups and researched her family’s Eastern European heritage with the Jewish Genealogy Society of Los Angeles. Andrea made every moment count.
Andrea and her husband, Ron, cherished their time together and moved to Cumming, Georgia in 2019. Together, they continued their Jewish learning and were active, founding members of Congregation Beth Israel of Forsyth.
Andrea was a bright light that touched many. Her gift for connection, her warmth, humor, pragmatism, organization, and her commitment to seeing things through were unmatched. She encouraged everyone to have an “Attitude of Gratitude,” and to simply “Be Well.”
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and remembered often.
Her family asks that all donations in her honor be made to Congregation Beth Israel at www.jewishforsyth.org. Arrangements by Dressler’s Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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