Arlene Gottlieb Jaffie

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Arlene Gottlieb Jaffie on June 17, 2025, at the age of 83. 

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. She was known for her generosity, love, humor, creativity, quick wit and so much more. She had unwavering love for her family. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, devoting every Sunday night to “Grammy’s Night Out” with dinner and good old-fashioned games and puzzles.

She had a passion for playing Mah Jongg (before it was cool), painting (especially with her grandson, Andrew) and spending time with her special pup, Snoopy. She was one of the original host family (for many years) for the Savannah Bananas when the team started in 2016.

She had incredible patience and started her teaching career at Savannah Hebrew Community School in the 70’s. She was lovingly known as Miss Arlene to her students from then to now. After a 20-year career teaching 4-year-olds, she went to work at the Ruth Byck Adult Day Care Center where she was the activities director for people with Alzheimer’s Disease.

As a teenager she was very passionate about serving the local Jewish community. She was the president of the B’nai Brith Girls chapter and worked as a camp counselor to hundreds of JEA campers. She was part of the second graduating class of Jenkins High School, class of 1960 and after, attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she met her husband of 43 years, Norman Jaffie.

Everyone loved to receive personalized baby gifts created by the one and only Arlene’s Originals. What began as a fun hobby in the 80’s took off as a small business and these items became treasured keepsake for all of the lucky recipients.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sarah and Elliott Gottlieb, her beloved husband, Norman Jaffie, and her brother, Isser Gottlieb.

She is survived by her 3 children, Jeffrey Jaffie (Monique), Susan Jaffie, and Lynn Jaffie Javetz (Jay). Her grandchildren, Jessica Jaffie Zaken (Lior), Andrew Javetz, Sarah Lily Javetz, Jordan Jaffie, Elliott Jaffie, and great grandchildren, Talia and Noya Zaken.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of many friends and family including her sister-in- law, Ava Gottlieb; her three nephews, Richard, Laurence, and Michael (Jaime) Gottlieb, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, she would want remembrances in her name to go to Savannah Ambucs, Abilities Unlimited Inc., and the Savannah Widows Society