89, Beloved wife of the late William “Bill” G. Shoss; loving mother and mother-in-law of Brenda Shoss and Dr. Graydon Ballard III, Deanna Shoss and Eugenio Bonaventura, and Cara Shoss and Adam Klass; super-extraordinary grandmother of Elijah Ballard, Lucca Bonaventura, and Aiden Klass; sister of the late Arlyn Katims (late Dr. Robert Katims) and David Austin (Jennifer); sister-in-law of Barbara Grossman (Stan) and aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend to many.
Known for her great beauty and famous hour-glass figure, Sammy (Sally) Shoss will be remembered as an animal rights advocate, vegetarian, and educator, serving the Jewish community with a combined 80 years of teaching religious education at Temple Israel and Central Reform Congregation. An influencer before there were Influencers, she was her high school class valedictorian, a Girl Scout troop leader, PTA president, census taker, story lady, and volunteer in a pet therapy program.
Sammy lived and died by her promise to pursue equity and compassion for all. After a near-death experience many years ago, she awoke with one thought, "if all I want is my life, perhaps other creatures do too.” She kept her promise to all living beings, as a vegan, humane educator, and animal rights activist.
Memorial Service Sunday, November 10, at 3 pm (visitation at 2:30) at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman at Kingshighway.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Kinship Circle, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, or Central Reform Congregation. Please note, when possible, that your contribution is in memory of Sammy.
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