Obituary: Sandra Coffsky
Sandra Coffsky died in Atlanta on Jan. 20, 2019 at the age of 79.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sandra Coffsky at home Jan. 20, 2019. Sandy was the ever-flowing wellspring of love and strength that nurtured and sustained her family.
She was born in New York City on March 6, 1939 to Violet and William Schwartz. Her family moved to Augusta, Ga., when Sandy was 13. Sandy had the good sense to realize that Jay Coffsky was the one and only man for her when she first met him at the age of 14.
During their nearly 60-year marriage, Sandy was the world to Jay, and he to her. She did everything for him except read his patients’ X-rays and write his published columns. Their deep love and devotion to one another was joyfully apparent to all who knew them.
Sandy had a generosity of spirit that attracted a wide circle of friends drawn to her essential kindness, her positive energy, her calm demeanor and her beautiful smile. She was an excellent listener with the gift of intuition and common sense. Over the years, she enjoyed countless games of canasta and mahjong, book club meetings and shared meals with friends.
She was the matriarch of a large and loving family whose well-being governed her agenda and ruled her heart. Her attention to detail on their behalf was legendary. Her holiday tables were set at least a week in advance, and most of the meal was prepared and placed in the freezer well before the day of the celebration.
Sandy showered her children, grandchildren and great-grandson with love and attention. Their athletic events, musical performances and school milestones were important constants in Bubbe Sandy’s life. She enjoyed taking the children shopping, hosting sleepovers, and taking them for brunch at Goldberg’s. She was a loving presence in the lives of her extended family, always there to celebrate, to console or uplift with her special touch. The family summer gatherings at Hilton Head kept connections strong.
With great respect for her Jewish heritage, Sandy served capably as co-president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the William Breman Jewish Home, and for 25 years was a member of the Jewish Burial Society of Ahavath Achim Synagogue. She was a member of Hadassah and ORT.
Sandy is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Jay Coffsky; her children, Brian (Terri) Coffsky, Mindy (Danny) Capitel, and Rebecca (Brent Bernath); her grandchildren, Jamie and Todd Vrono, Jessica and Seth Gardella, Aaron Capitel, Evan, Emma and Cooper Bernath, and Simon and Shayna Coffsky; and her great-grandson, Kaleb Gardella. Additional survivors include her brother, Louis (Marilyn) Schwartz, brother-in-law Barry (Michelle) Coffsky, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
In her quiet, gentle way, Sandy was the powerful engine that propelled her family forward. She was resolute and uncomplaining in the face of her illness. It’s hard to imagine life without her. We measure our lives by her shining example. We consider ourselves the luckiest of families to have lived our lives in the embrace of this rare and wonderful woman.
Graveside services were held Jan. 21, 2019, at Arlington Memorial Park, with Rabbi Joshua Heller officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation B’nai Torah, the William Breman Jewish Home Women’s Auxiliary, or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta, 770-451-4999.
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