SHIVA: Shiva will be observed at the home of Cathy and Jeff Schaffer on Thursday from 4:00–8:00 p.m., with services at 6:30 p.m

OBITUARY

Betty Goldberg Schaffer, 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, November 19, surrounded by her family.

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, to Moses and Rose Goldberg, Betty lived a full and vibrant life. A chance blind date introduced her to Samuel Schaffer, who was visiting friends in New York. Their connection was instant, and six months later, they married in Atlanta, Georgia. Together, they raised a loving family, and through their 44-year marriage, Betty worked alongside Sam in his various businesses, always by his side until his passing in 1992.

Betty had several passions throughout her life and became an accomplished athlete with a lifelong love of sports. As a young woman, she excelled in handball and, after settling in Atlanta, discovered bowling, achieving a remarkable high score of 215 while participating in several leagues. Tennis became her enduring favorite, and she played regularly into her early eighties. Betty’s love for sports extended to the stands — she cheered enthusiastically for the Atlanta Falcons and the Braves, and followed Wimbledon and the Masters Golf Tournament, which she attended annually for over 25 years. Sharing her season tickets with friends and family brought her immense joy.

Beyond sports, Betty had a rich array of hobbies. A master knitter, she was a fixture at her daughter Judy’s knitting store, sharing her expertise and encouraging fellow knitters. Her love of reading was boundless—she devoured several books each week and formed warm friendships with her neighborhood librarians. A skilled mahjong player, she played weekly with friends across the city and even competed in (and won) tournaments in Las Vegas during her younger years.

Above all, Betty cherished her family. She delighted in spending time with her children and twin grandchildren, Lauren and Sam, with whom she shared a special bond. Her pride in their accomplishments and her role in their lives were immeasurable.

Betty is predeceased by her husband, Sam Schaffer, and survived by her children, Judy Lynn and Jeff (Cathy) Schaffer, as well as her grandchildren, Lauren and Sam Schaffer.

The family would like to thank the dedicated teams at the William Breman Jewish Home and Weinstein Hospice for their compassionate care over the years.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 10 am at Greenwood Cemetery, 1173 Cascade Circle SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30311. 

DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made to the Ahavath Achim Synagogue, the William Breman Jewish Home, or a charity of your choice.