Edna K. Sokol, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of July 23 at Care Haven Homes in Prairie Village, Kansas, where she resided for the past nine years.
Born on Jan. 21,1931 in Akron, Ohio, to parents Charles D. and Fanny P. Katz, Edna was the twin sister of Edith. Edna graduated from high school at the age of 16 and attended the University of Akron, where she earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in education. She was an elementary school teacher in the Akron public schools for 41 years.
Edna married Eugene M. Sokol in 1951. They were the proud parents of Dr. Michael S. (Dr. Shari) Sokol of Leawood, Kansas. Despite being widowed at the age of 61, Edna remained active in her community and with her family. Along with her sister, Edith, she spent 12 years shuttling back and forth between Akron and Los Angeles, helping raise her twin grand-nephews, Perry and Adam Weinstein.
Edna was a gracious and sociable woman. In Akron, she enjoyed accompanying her many friends to the opera, symphony, movies, plays and other activities. She was an avid bridge and mahjongg player and hosted or attended gatherings at least once a week. Additionally, she was a community volunteer.
She was a life member of Hadassah and served on many committees at Beth El Congregation in Akron, where she was a member for more than 70 years. She was a life member of Hadassah and active in her youth with Young Judaea, where she made lifelong friends. She was a member of the Sigma Delta Tau sorority and enjoyed the company of her sorority sisters during her college years. Edna was also the former director of the Akron Jewish Center Day Camp.
Edna was an excellent cook. Her grandson Alexander remarked that she was “the queen of the kitchen” and always prepared delicious Shabbat and holiday meals for her family and guests. Her home was filled with guests nearly every weekend.
Edna was preceded in death by her parents, Fanny and Charles; her husband, Eugene; and her twin sister, Edith. She leaves her son, Dr. Michael Sokol (Dr. Shari); her grandchildren, Alexander, Felicia and Amanda Sokol; her nephew, Joel Weinstein (Deborah Eisen) of Los Angeles, California, and their twin sons, Perry and Adam, to cherish her memory.
Donations in Edna’s memory may be sent to Kehilath Israel Synagogue (10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212, or kisyn.org); Beth El Congregation (750 White Pond Drive, Akron, Ohio 44320, or bethelakron.com); Hadassah (900 Skokie Blvd Suite 295, Northbrook, IL 60062, or
hwzoa.networkforgood.com/projects/256449-mw-gp-in-memory-of-edna-sokol); or the charity of your choice.
May the memory of Edna’s well-lived and well-loved life inspire all to perform acts of lovingkindness and charity and to enjoy the pleasure of spending time with family, friends and loved ones.
