Obituary: Ava Feldman

Ava Feldman passed away peacefully in Tampa, Fla. on July 30, 2023, at the age of 70 surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Pensacola, Fla., in a family with parents who played a big role in shaping her compassionate and caring nature.

Always creative and enterprising, after graduating from the University of Florida she founded a fully licensed day care center in Gainesville while her husband, Barry Silber, attended law school. She went on to pursue a successful career in property management in Pensacola and, later, in Atlanta.

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In 1987, Ava married Bill Feldman, a recent dental school graduate, and used her organizational and administrative skills to greatly contribute to the success of his dental practice. She and Bill opened their hearts, their homes, and their wallets to others in need.

Inspired by both her children attending law school, at age 49, Ava graduated law school as valedictorian. She founded a real estate law practice which is still in business today.

They say if you want something done, give it to a busy person. Even with all her professional pursuits, Ava made time to be involved in the Jewish life in Atlanta serving as president of her synagogue Sisterhood, regional officer of women’s league, and an active member of ORT, Hadassah, and other Jewish philanthropic organizations. Ava had endless energy and was passionate about so many things.

Ava was a loving mother to David and Carlyn. Ava had a strong sense of family, as evident in how she made her home the center of activity for her children’s friends and was always there for them.

Later in life, Ava battled with both mental and physical illnesses which eventually led to her passing. It’s evident that despite the challenges she faced, Ava remained a bright and giving person who touched the lives of many.

Predeceased by her parents, Sam and Joyce Goldenberg, and her son-in-law, Brian Neuman, she is survived by her children, David Silber (Niki) and Carlyn Neuman, both of Tampa, Fla.; siblings Debbie Sonenshine (Stanley) of Atlanta, Pam Kalkstein (Harold) of New York and Philip Goldenberg (Claritza) of Tampa; her beloved grandchildren, Harper and Caleb Neuman and Petra Silber, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other loving family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta backpackbuddiesatl.org or the Tampa Jewish Federation. Funeral services were held on Aug. 1, 2023, at Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Fla.