Bess F. Soffer

BESS SOFFER (nee Feinstein), 68, of Margate City, New Jersey, died on January 6, 2021, in Atlantic City, NJ, from the COVID-19 pandemic. Bess was born on April 30, 1952 in Philadelphia, PA, to the late William and Phyllis (Kohn) Feinstein. She graduated Lower Merion High School and Temple University with a degree in early childhood education.

Bess enjoyed her work as Residency Coordinator at Lions Gate Retirement Community until her retirement in 2015. Throughout her life Bess was a longtime volunteer within the community. She served as President of Temple Emanuel of Cherry Hill, NJ, founding President of the Young Leadership Council of Southern New Jersey, and leadership positions with the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, the Union for Reform Judaism, the URJ Camp Harlam, and Jewish Family & Children’s Services.

Bess loved the Margate beach, traveling the world, attending theater, and baking for her family, especially her grandchildren. She lived with a full heart and will be missed more than she will ever know. Bess is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years Jim, sons Geoffrey (Joaquin Esteva) of Los Angeles, CA, and Rabbi Matthew (Nicole) of Durham NC, grandchildren Caleb and Carmel, sister Michele (James) Lipenta of King of Prussia, PA, sister-in-law Trish (Robert) Mainwaring, and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Donations in Bess’s memory can be made to the URJ Camp Harlam Arie Gluck Capital Fund https://donate.reformjudaism.org/fundraiser/3092406 and Judea Reform Congregation. https://www.judeareform.org/give

PLATT MEMORIAL CHAPELS, Inc., Cherry Hill, NJ