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Sophie

(Karpman)

Myrun

Obituary

Sophie Myrun, 103, native and long-term resident of Hartford and West Hartford, died in Washington, D.C. on April 9th, 2021. Born in Hartford on January 28th, 1918, she graduated from Hunter College and married the late Maurice Myrun in 1939. Together they had three children. Their third child, Philip, was born with cerebral palsy. Although Philip was born into a world where disability was not well understood or accepted, Sophie envisioned a full life for him. She saw him as a whole person and son. She made it her mission to understand Philip’s challenges and to care for him, teach him, and extend that knowledge to many other differently-abled children. She became a special education teacher at Hall High School in West Hartford and was an early advocate for “mainstreaming” kids with disabilities. In her classroom, many children with intellectual and physical disabilities learned essential life skills such as how to apply for and keep a job. Sophie and her husband were strong advocates for services that would enable adults with disabilities to live independently and in group homes. They were deeply involved in the creation of housing complexes that provided opportunities for many to have their own apartments. Through this work, Philip was able to live with dignity and independence, finding great meaning in his faith, his life, and his many friendships. Their late daughter, Bonnie Milstein, was a lawyer who specialized in the field of disability rights, working on issues involving the federal Fair Housing Act. After Maurice died, Bonnie helped Sophie move to San Francisco, where she got great joy from the diverse cultural offerings of the city. Whether it was the symphony or a museum – or even a wonderful market or deli – Sophie’s eternal gusto for life continued throughout her golden years. Her curiosity and passion for education was endless. Sophie moved back to D.C. in 2009 with Bonnie and had an apartment at the Chevy Chase House. She continued to make her life a very rich one and enjoyed sharing afternoon cookies in the lobby with the outstanding staff of the residence. Her daughter Judy and late son-in-law Juan Villamarin were cultural anthropologists. Juan and Judy shared Sophie’s love of travel and art. Sophie filled her house with many pieces of bright and beautiful art, including paintings from Juan’s native Colombia. Sophie leaves behind Judy Villamarin, as well as two grandchildren, Dr. Joann Villamarin and her husband, Joseph Cutter of Colorado; Jake Milstein and his wife, Jennifer Arterburn of Seattle; four great grandchildren, Willow and Bo Milstein, Jasmine Cutter and her significant other Carson Butler and Noah Villamarin-Cutter and his fiancée Flora Liu; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 13 at 2 pm at the burial site with Rabbi Yitzchok Adler officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Association for Community Living in Hartford or to the charity of your choice. For further information, directions, or to leave a remembrance and sign our guestbook, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.

Funeral

Deceased On:

Friday, April 9, 2021

Service Date:

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Service Time:

2:00 pm

Contributions:

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Association for Community Living in Hartford or to the charity of your choice.

Guest Book For

Sophie Myrun

(Karpman)

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From: Dara Schur and Miye Goishi

From Berkeley, CA

Posted On: April 13, 2021

Miye and I have wonderful memories of meeting Sophie when Bonnie brought her to our home for an event, when they were both living in SF. We wish we could have known her better. We sorely miss Bonnie, and it is so clear that Sophie was an amazing influence on Bonnie's life. Sophie leaves a wide, enduring, and meaningful legacy. Our heartfelt condolences to family, friends, and others touched by Sophie's life.
Dara Schur and Miye Goishi

From: William and Mary Jo Arterburn

From Willow, AK

Posted On: April 12, 2021

We met Sophie just a few times, in advanced age, a blessing for us arising from Jake Milstein becoming our son in law. Sophie made the trip to Alaska for Jen and Jake's wedding, and was an unforgettable smash hit, loved and enjoyed by all. It was just hard not to feel real good under her wholesome attention. Reading the stories of her earlier days, we see now that hers was a life well lived, and memorable. To all her surviving family, friends and relatives, especially Judy, Jake and Jen, our deepest sympathies and warmest regards. Bill and Mary Jo Arterburn

From: Sybil M. Nassau

From Westbrook, CT

Posted On: April 12, 2021

For Sophie's family, with deepest and warmest condolences on the loss of your dear mother. I remember all of you from Crescent Beach and especially your mom who was, without a doubt, one of the most amazing women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. May memories of happier days sustain you in the future and the comfort of knowing she had an incredible life be a consolation.

From: Denis P Geary

From ,

Posted On: April 12, 2021

Sophie was such an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She was tireless in her advocacy efforts on her son Phil's behalf. She set a standard for all of us to strive for in accepting all people without judgment. I will always remember Sophie for her wisdom and insight. We lost someone very special with her passing. On behalf of all of us at the Jewish Association for Community Living, (JCL) we extend our condolences to Judy and all of Sophie's family.

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