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.
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