Obituary of Merle Sperber

MERLE SCHAFFER SPERBER 1948-2010 Merle Schaffer Sperber, age 61 of Albany, NY died on Monday, February 1, 2010 at St. Peter's Hospice, Albany after a lengthy illness. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by loving family. Born Merle Barbara Schaffer in Albany on February 15, 1948, she attended Albany Public schools, graduating from Albany High School. She also attended Temple Israel Hebrew School through the 12th grade. She began her college career at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, transferring to and graduating from the New York University Theater Design Program in June of 1971. Merle worked in the midst of the Broadway and other theater industries for several years. In the mid 1970's she came to Albany to join the family business, Schaffer's Department Store on Central Avenue in Albany as a partner until December of 2000. A passion for art, design and antiques led to a concurrent career in antique dealing and consulting. Merle is survived by her husband Lewis Sperber of Albany, her son Michael (Megan) of Fairport, NY, her parents Louis and Harriet Schaffer of Albany, Brother Howard Schaffer of Albany, Sister Donna Minassian of Slingerlands, NY, and Sister Sara Schaffer Branden of Woodbridge, CT as well as nephew Sam Minassian of Breckenridge, CO, niece Chana Schaffer of Albany, nephew Jonah Schaffer of Albany. Also survived by mother- in-law Gertrude Sperber of the Massry Residence, Albany, NY brother-in-law Mark (Linda) Sperber of Colonie, NY, nephews Joshua Sperber of Loudonville, NY and Eric Sperber of Albany. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of the following organizations: The Hospice Inn, The Community Hospice of Albany County, 315 So. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208; Caring Together, Inc., PO Box 12383, Albany, NY 12212; the St. Peter's Hospital Foundation, 319 So. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY, 12208; Gilda's Club, One Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110. We sincerely thank all of you for your offers of moral support over the past three years. From first hand experience, we now know "courageous battle," means. Merle was a tough one and never gave up, nor did we give up on her. Funeral will be held at Congregation Bnai Sholom, 420 Whitehall Road, Albany, NY 12208 on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at _12 noon. with interment immediately afterward at Hebrew Tailors Association Cemetery on Western Avenue in Guilderland, opposite Crossgates Mall entrance. The period of mourning will be observed at the Sperber residence, on Wednesday and Thursday from 4-8pm, Saturday from 6-8pm an on Sunday and Monday from 4-8pm.