Zarifah Sadak

“Zee” was born in Winter Park, Florida to Lebanese immigrants, Mahmoud (“George”) and Lutifah Sadak, on January 11, 1928, but grew up and lived most of her life in her beloved Washington, D.C. She devoted herself to work, family, feminism, socially progressive causes, and especially her son, Robert (“Rob”), whom she largely raised on her own during a time when working, single mothers had an even more difficult time than today.

Zarifah proudly held many jobs from 15 to 78 years of age, including restaurant cashier, secretary, bookkeeper, and manager of a rural FQHC. For a few years during the height of the Cold War she worked in a “front company” for the CIA. She loved to read real newspapers, dance, go to the movies, travel and discuss how we might all empower and raise up the disadvantaged. Although it took her 10 years of night school, she proudly graduated from college at the age of 49.

Zee deeply admired and loved her brother Farris, a veteran of the US Navy in the Pacific theater of WWII, who predeceased her in 2013.

Zarifah is survived by her son Rob Schreiner, daughter-in-law Pattie Simone, granddaughter Tessa, grandson Tate, brother Omar Sadak, sister Randa Utter, niece Rema Sadak, nephews Buddy, Dean and Sami Sadak and their families.

The family is grateful for the loving, compassionate care provided by the men and women of Somerby Sandy Springs during the last 3 years of Zarifah’s life. Sandy Springs Chapel is handling arrangements. A memorial service for family and friends will be held in Arlington VA later in the year. Instead of flowers, please consider making a donation to Seniors Enriched Living Roswell (https://sites.google.com/selroswellga.org/seniors-enriched-living/donate ) which provided Zee many years of joyful adult learning and wonder.