Isabel Soltz Shiflet
SHIFLET: Isabel Soltz Shiflet, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2023, at the age of 101. Born to Reuben and Eva Soltz, Isabel grew up in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh and was a proud graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School, class of 1939. Isabel traveled the world as an army wife, living for several years in Germany, Italy and army bases throughout the United States. After returning to Pittsburgh, Isabel passed the civil service exam and worked for 35 years as an executive secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. With her vivacious energy and outgoing personality, she was truly the queen of her office, and was known for organizing popular social events, particularly her festive “Bagel Bashes.” Upon her retirement in 1986 she entered a second career as a volunteer. She devoted countless hours to the development office of the JCC at Forbes and Murray and as an assistant in arts and crafts at what was then the Jewish Home for the Aged on Brown’s Hill Road. Isabel could often be seen walking up Murray Avenue wearing one of her signature hats. She greeted everyone she met with a smile and knew the names of all the people who worked in the places she frequented. She was a fervent Steelers fan and a lifelong Democrat. At the age of 75, Isabel received her first computer and used it to make hundreds of custom greeting cards for friends and family. She embraced email and video chat as new ways to keep in touch. She never forgot a birthday and enjoyed creating her yearly photo postcard. The family historian, she documented every event with her camera. She was an avid knitter and crafter, always focused on giving to others. Her enthusiasm for living spanned generational differences, and she had many friends of all ages. She remained close with her high school girlfriends and met them every month for lunch well into their 80s. Isabel is survived by her beloved brother, Morton Soltz; her loving children Marsha Shiflet (Bob Santoro) and Zelda Lee Mason (Peter Hamlin); her adoring grandchildren Rachel Mason (Sharón Friedner) and Michelle Rubenstein (Isaac), and three great-grandchildren. The oldest of her generation, she is also survived by many cousins and their families. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Ave., Shadyside on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at 1 p.m. Visitation one hour prior to services (Noon – 1 p.m.). Interment Shaare Torah Cemetery. The family will receive visitors for Shiva at the Hyatt House, 5335 Baum Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA, on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a brief service at 6:30 p.m. Additional Shiva calling hours will be held in Framingham, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Isabel Soltz Shiflet Senior Adult Endowment Fund at jccpgh.org or to Good Shepherd Community Care Hospice of Massachusetts, 160 Wells Ave., Newton, MA 02459. schugar.com
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