NEWPORT NEWS—Dorene Zilber Sarfan, 88, passed away December 22, 2017.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Newport News. She graduated from Newport News High School in February 1946 and attended Mary Washington College.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Irvin E. Nachman, who died while serving in the Korean War, her husband of over 60 years, Mayer A. Sarfan, and her parents, William M. Zilber and Gertrude Morewitz Zilber.
Dorene is survived by her five sons, Gary Nachman (Janet), William Nachman (Rhoda), Lonny Sarfan (Terri), Randall Sarfan and Edward Sarfan (Jody). She is also survived by her sister, Jayne Zilber and her sister-in-law, Edythe Lichtenstein. Dorene has nine grandchildren: Meredith, Michael (Amber) and their mother, Barbara; Joel; Alexandra (Brad), Stephanie; Ryan, Austin; Sydney, Matthew; and two great-grandchildren, Zoey and Zack; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dorene worked for many years for Moore Realty, and for 40 years as office manager for her family law firm, Sarfan and Nachman. Her love for education was reflected in her being instrumental in establishing the Preschool for the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula (UJCVP). She was a lifetime member and supporter of Rodef Sholom Temple, its Sisterhood and Hadassah. Dorene was also a generous supporter of numerous museums and charities on the Peninsula.
A funeral service was held at Peninsula Funeral Home. Burial followed at the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula.