Mrs. Rona Raphan Schpeiser, native of Brooklyn, N.Y. and resident of Atlanta since 1976, passed away after a short illness on Sun., Feb. 28 in Atlanta. Born the only child of Joe and Edith Raphan on Jan. 26, 1924, Rona graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a graduate of New York University and earned her MSSA from Case Western Reserve University in 1946.
Rona married her high school sweetheart, Marvin Bernard Schpeiser, in 1946, and together they lived and worked in Detroit, Milwaukee, Boston and Atlanta. Rona had a long and active career as a clinical social worker, retiring in 1989 with a Lifetime Achievement in Social Work award from the National Association of Social Workers. During her career she also received many awards for personal and professional merit, including The President's Award NASW GA Chapter, the Frankie V. Adams Award, United Way Leadership Appreciation and the Stone Soup Award for the Betterment of the Human Condition in Georgia.
Rona worked in the Newton, Massachusetts public school system and the Gifford School in Weston, Mass.; she served as the Director of Professional Services at the Atlanta Jewish and Family Services; and was on the adjunct faculties of University of Georgia, Georgia State University and Smith College.
Rona also had a private practice as a family therapist through which she touched many lives. Among her many community service activities, Rona was co-founder of COMPEER with the late Representative Sidney Marcus.
Rona was above all things a kind and gracious listener. She loved her work and was recognized as a major influence on the social work students under her tutelage. She took great pride in her family and especially loved their summertime hours together on the beaches of Cape Cod. She was a gifted pianist, excellent cook, hostess, bridge player and sun worshipper.
Rona is survived by her husband of 64 years and by their children: Karen Leigh Fairbank of St. Louis, Mo.; Robert Jay Schpeiser and James Edward Schpeiser (Patty Tully) of Newton, Mass. She is also survived by their grandchildren Levon, Estee, Isobel and Olivia Schpeiser; two sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law and numerous cousins who were, to her, like siblings; and by her nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service was held at The Temple in Atlanta on Mon., Mar. 8 at 2:30 p.m. A reception followed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to The Temple, The William Breman Jewish Home (3150 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta 30327), or Jewish Family and Career Services of Atlanta (4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta 30338).
