Obituary of Sara Janet Goliger

Sara Janet Goliger of Ellenville, NY, who was best known as Janet by friends, family and colleagues, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Northern Dutchess Hospital, following a courageous battle against a lengthy illness. She was 83 years old. She was born in Brooklyn, NY to Isadore and Florence Goldblatt Sherak on February 18, 1933 Janet was a graduate of Brooklyn College and later obtained her Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work at the renowned program at Smith College. She resided in Ulster County from 1960 until her death. Her remarkable career started at Ulster County Department of Mental Health, where she worked part time, well into the mid-1970s, overlapping with her start at the Sullivan County Department of Community Services as a clinical, clinical supervisor, and the Executive Director of the Department. Her vision and foresight resulted in Sullivan County having an excellent service delivery system for individuals with mental illness and substance abuse issues. She was an outstanding clinician who mentored many young practitioners and fostered the development of clinical skills in everyone she worked with. Her clinical expertise and acumen was highly regarded, and sought after by both clients and staff. She continued at SCDCS until her formal retirement after 35 years of service, but continued on in consultation and a small private practice for several more years. In the entirety of her career, she devoted herself to "paying it forward" and providing help to those in need, those up and coming, and conveyed caring, nurturance and commitment to the wellbeing of those around her, that leaves a broad and clear legacy remembered by all who knew her. She was a member of the Ezrath Israel Temple and raised her children within the synagogue community. While supporting the religious and cultural traditions of her heritage, Janet was in each moment of her life, open to all others, and inclusive in her thinking. She transcended stereotypes and roles, and accepted everyone for themselves. She brought her same accepting, loving and devoted character to her friends and family, and was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, and friend, always present when she was needed, and always ready to lend a hand. She will be deeply missed. She is survived by her children Dr. Leon E. Goliger of Moosic, PA., Seth M. Goliger of Pompano Beach, FL, and Dr. Iris G. Goliger of Hurley, NY, her five grandchildren Alex Goliger, Max Goliger, Myles Goliger, Zachary Jonas and Rachel Glenn, her sister Shirley Sherak and her husband George Harkins of New York City, niece and nephew, and many dear friends. A funeral service will be today, Monday, May 23, 2016 at Ezrath Israel Temple, 34 Center Street, Ellenville, New York 12428 at 11:00 a.m. Rabbi Moshe Frank will officiate. Interment will follow at Ezrath Israel Cemetery, Route 209, Ellenville, NY 12428. The family will observe Shiva at the home of Iris Goliger. Please contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Smith College School of Social Work Merit Scholarship Program in her name. Arrangements were under the direction of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further information please call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com.