Ilana Hoffer Skoff

Beloved wife of Rabbi Joshua Skoff, beloved mother of Rabbi Jared (Karen Brier) and Eden, cherished grandmother (Savta) of Ana Rosalind Skoff. Devoted daughter of Edna and the late Dr. Alexander Hoffer, devoted sister of Sharone (Dr. David) Snyder and Liora (Rami) Evar. Devoted sister-in-law of Temima and the late Dr. Alan Gradman, Jayne and Avi Skoff, Roberta and Dr. Hillel Skoff, Rabbi Jonina and Randy Pritzker. Beloved Aunt and Great Aunt.

Ilana was born April 26, 1966 in Hempstead, Long Island, and grew up in New Rochelle, NY.

After graduating from the Ramaz School in New York City, she met her husband Joshua while on staff at Camp Ramah in the Poconos. They were engaged after one month and married less than six months later. Joshua was her lifelong partner in all things, supporter, and cheerleader. They have been married for 39 years.

Ilana attended the University of Pennsylvania and UCLA, where she earned a BA in Political Science, 1988. She earned her MA in International Affairs and Public Policy from Columbia University, 1990.

She then worked in Development and Grant Writing at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City, and Cleveland Museum of Modern Art.

Learning from her experiences as a parent, she co-founded Milestones Autism Resources, serving Northeast Ohio in providing Autism education, job training and support for families, self-advocates, and educators since 2005. Ilana was a trailblazer, and a tireless advocate for the autistic community. An ardent Zionist, she was instrumental in founding Cleveland’s annual community celebration of Yom Haatzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. She had a gift for mobilizing people around a cause.

Ilana had the most pride in being a mom and the most joy in being a Savta. She is deeply missed by all who love her, and all those who confided in her, learned from her, leaned on her for support, and those whose lives she changed. She showed up for her family and for her community, and she never gave up.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 6 at 11 AM at The Park Synagogue, 27500 Shaker Blvd, with burial at Bet Olam Cemetery. To view this service, please go to YouTube and search Ilana Hoffer Skoff Funeral Service. https://youtu.be/JRNUs-tuKdo

Shiva visitation will take place at The Park Synagogue following the burial on Thursday until 7 PM.

Shiva visitation will continue at The Park Synagogue: Saturday night, March 8th 7-9 pm, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday evenings 3-7 pm

Donations in memory of Ilana can be made to Milestones or the Ilana Hoffer Skoff Memorial Fund c/o Park Synagogue.