Sophie (Karpman) Myrun

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.

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