Joan “Joanie” Seff, a religious schoolteacher and administrator for Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, died suddenly on June 12, 2021, in Santa Monica, Calif. Rabbi Kerith Spencer-Shapiro officiated at the June 17 graveside service at Mt. Sinai Simi Valley Cemetery. Mt. Sinai Simi Valley made the arrangements.
“Joanie was unsurpassed at keeping in touch with and supporting friends and family,” her loved ones said. “They describe her as honest, genuine, loving and thoughtful.
“We are all grateful to have been a part of her life, and are devastated at her passing.”
Joan Charon was born Dec. 30, 1933, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Albert and Rose Charon and grew up in north Minneapolis.
She was a superb babysitter, loved dancing, was active in USY and had many close friends.
At age 19, she moved to Los Angeles and married Lionel Fichman.
She then married Zachary Seff, and they were together for nearly 50 years.
Upon moving to Los Angeles, Mrs. Seff became a religious schoolteacher and administrator at Temple Beth Am, Steven S. Wise Temple, University Synagogue and other Jewish institutions.
Mrs. Seff took pride in her role as a salesperson at specialty gift shops in Brentwood, most recently at Salutations.
She stayed abreast of news, art and politics, and was an avid reader.
Joanie Seff is survived by her husband Zachary; son David (Karen) Fichman; grandchildren Alana and Jesse; brother Nyles (Susan) Charon; niece Mollie Charon and nephews Andrew and Daniel Charon.
Donations may be made to PJ Library, JNF or charity of choice.
Copyright © 2021 by the Intermountain Jewish News
