Beloved Shir Tikvah members,

Amelia Schroth has passed. She died on erev Shabbat Shemini 5785 and we are left to grieve a life of great beauty and love and kindness, cut tragically short.

We of Congregation Shir Tikvah were blessed to know Amelia as our long-time partner in building our holy community. For thirteen years, literally up to the day of her diagnosis of lung cancer on April 9 2024, she served as facilities manager, repair person, nurturer of both plants and people, and so much more. For all that time she was the welcoming voice on the telephone, the gentle email interlocutor, and the smile that greeted you at the doorway.

In 2011 Amelia became office manager of Congregation Shir Tikvah - a job title that could never cover the reality of all she meant to us. At various times she coordinated finances, membership, special projects, grounds design and maintenance at our former Bridgeport location, roommate relations with the church we rented space from, Passover Seder and High Holy Days operations, and Brit Mitzvah celebrations.

When Shir Tikvah transitioned to our current space at the Eastside Jewish Commons, Amelia directed and supervised the work that created our commercial catering kitchen, the janitorial facility, and the construction of our beautiful Tefilah room. She maintained the extensive flora that we inherited and even swept the sidewalk when necessary. All while answering the phone with kindness, and greeting all visitors and members with a friendly smile.

Amelia loved to sing, to read books, to share a drink with friends, and to nurture life, both plant and animal. Among all those who mourn her loss, we of Shir Tikvah recognize how she sang our song with us, our shir tikvah, our Song of Hope, every day. Amelia leaves behind many beautiful accomplishments, and for us, none more than all she did to help build our congregational family and to care for its growth. We are a testament to her care, and our culture of kindness is largely because of her steady presence. 

We will join in remembering and mourning Amelia, at a sheloshim memorial service we will hold at 5pm on Tuesday May 27 at Shir Tikvah in the Commons