Obituary: Sonia Jean Aftel Sifen

Sonia Jean Aftel Sifen, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, died peacefully in her sleep Feb. 17, 2020, at the age of 91, surrounded by loved ones.

Sonia was born Nov. 16, 1928, in Norfolk, Va., to the late Sam and Emma Aftel. She studied at the College of William & Mary and after marrying the love of her life in 1948, devoted her life to being a loving and caring role model to family, friends and Jewish community, serving in many volunteer roles as well as working with the family business. In 1955, Sonia and Paul moved from Franklin, Va., to Griffin, Ga., where they opened a business, and by 1960, they had joined Congregation Ahavath Achim and moved to Atlanta.

Sonia was active in the community and was a president of her Hadassah chapter. Sonia most enjoyed family. She enjoyed her active Jewish social work as well as tennis, mahjong and bridge. She will be deeply missed by friends and family far and wide.

Sonia is preceded in death by loving husband Paul Sifen. She is survived by her children Ron (Lois) Sifen, Phyllis (Fred) Turner, Reid (Debra) Sifen, and Marty Sifen; seven grandchildren Erica (Zack), Scott, Shaina, Menachem, Meir, Lindsay, and Melanie; and three great-grandchildren, Sasha, Aaron, and Zoe, and significant other Lee Kritzer.

A funeral service was held Feb. 20 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs. Contributions can be made to The William Breman Jewish Home. Shiva and meal were held following services at Temple Sinai.