Janet B. Sheff
June 20, 1926 - July 15, 2016

Janet Berney Sheff, 90, of Sarasota, formerly of Great Neck, NY, died peacefully in her home July 15, 2016, surrounded by her husband and three sons. Born in New York City, she married Ronald Sheff and raised three boys, all of whom became doctors. Once her children were older she graduated with a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MSW from Hofstra University and then worked as a psychiatric social worker. Over 17 years she and her husband spent much of their time sailing between Maine and Venezuela before settling in Sarasota in 1993. Together they became well known and much loved regulars at the Senior Friendship Center where they ballroom danced five days a week, her contagious smile and their beautiful dancing lighting up the room for so many others. She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Ronald Sheff, and their three boys, Dr. Alan Sheff of Rockville, MD, Dr. Richard Sheff of Saunderstown, RI, and Dr. Daniel Sheff of Lexington, MA, their spouses, Vivi Shamash Sheff, Virginia Chapin-Sheff and Dr. Hanna Sherman, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Labor Day in Lexington, MA. Those wishing to honor her memory are invited to make a contribution to the Senior Friendship Center of Sarasota at http://www.friendshipcenters.org/Giving/OnlineDonations.aspx.

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