Miriam L. Sokobin

Miriam Levy Sokobin passed away peacefully after a brief illness on August 15, 2017. Miriam, known as Mickey to her friends, was 83 years old. Mickey was born to Herzl and Esther Levy in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 27, 1934. She came to the United States at the age of 18 where she was employed by the Ministry of Defense for the State of Israel and attended college at NYU.  During that time, Mickey was smitten with two things - a desire to act professionally and a young man. Thankfully for her family, she soon married her best friend, life partner and love of her life - Rabbi Alan Sokobin. Together they shared a loving partnership of more than 60 years. They lived in Laurelton, NY, Elmont, NY, and in 1972 moved to Toledo, a city which quickly became home. An accomplished woman in her own right, she was a teacher, dedicated community leader and volunteer. Her contributions spanned generations. It was not uncommon for people to reach out and tell her the impact she had on them over the years.  She will be sorely missed by lifelong friends. As news traveled of her illness, these friends were a source of comfort to her and her family. She made so many new friends in each stage of life, and all who knew her appreciated her kind and gentle manner and keen insight into any situation. An accomplished cook, she showed her love through food, ensuring that everyone knew that they were special in her heart. However, in her mind, there was nothing better than the banter regarding current affairs.  Nary a conversation ended without mention of an Op - Ed in the New York Times or a segment from one of the news stations. She became “Ima” to many as she welcomed them into her home and into her life. Her relationships with her parents, brothers and their families were exemplary. As a young mother, she insisted that annual visits to Israel would provide the foundation for authentic, warm and loving family relationships. As the oldest sibling, she also was ultimately surrogate grandmother to her nieces and nephews. In her mind, there was no such thing as an in-law.  Family was Family. However, Mickey truly was amazing as a wife, mother and grandmother. She leaves a void in the hearts of many - husband, Alan Sokobin; children, Sharon Speyer and Dean Monske and Jonathan and Debbie Sokobin; five precious grandchildren, Evan Levy, Michael Leland, Benjamin Israel, Ezra Shai and Lily Penina and two loving brothers, Uzi Levy and Gabriela Shalev and Moshe and Ilana Levy and their families. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Shomer Emunim, 6453 Sylvania Avenue.  Interment will immediately follow funeral services at Eagle Point Cemetery in Rossford. A lunch will be held at Temple Shomer Emunim after interment for family and friends. The family will receive guests Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at the Sokobin home, 4930 Pine Ridge Road, Toledo, Ohio from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 pm with a memorial service each night at 7:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Toledo Jewish Community Foundation or the charity of donor’s choice.

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