Jill Shaifer, family woman and teacher, dies at 84

Riverdale resident Jill Harren Shaifer was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was born in 1941 in the Bronx. After a long illness with progressive supranuclear palsy, PSP, she died Jan. 4, 2026 at 84 years old.

Daughter of Rose and George Harren, she attended Russell Sage College in Troy, N.Y. and received her master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-five years Jack, her sister Carol Harren, her son Seth and daughter-in-law Jennifer; and her grandchildren Aidan and Meira.

Throughout her life, she was known for her dedication to learning and her kindness. She was also a patron of many New York City cultural and charitable institutions.

She spent 37 years working as a public school teacher in the New York City public school system and also spent time after her retirement as a mentor to teachers. She has touched the lives of many of her former students, many of whom she kept in contact with, and was deeply loved.

She found joy in travelling all over the world, and in her work at schools teaching children. She especially treasured time from her trips to the beach with her husband, Jack.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the nonprofit Cure PSP.