Myra Schiffmann Medeiros could make a friend anywhere - waiting in line, at the gym, or in an elevator. Her generosity and optimism were infectious. Myra had a quick wit that immediately drew folks in and made them feel at ease. She was devoted to a diverse collection of dear friends.

Myra died peacefully Tuesday morning at home with her loving husband Raymond Medeiros and mother-in-law, Florence Brittain, at her side. She had been diagnosed with cancer in December.

Myra was born April 30, 1952 in Baltimore, MD, the youngest of Jess and Flora (nee Flicker) Schiffmann's three daughter's. She graduated from Pikesville High School and received her B.A., in English and History, from the University of Rochester in 1974.

Myra moved to Philadelphia to attend the Annenberg School, and stayed, living first in Germantown and then in Cherry Hill, NJ, to work as a copy writer at the Jewish Publication Society, SEI, The Franklin Mint, J.B. Lippencott and Co., and Colonial Penn. Eventually Myra struck out on her own, founding Myra Schiffmann Creative Services.

As someone who wrote ads for a living, Myra decided that writing a personal ad might be the best approach to meet a life partner. In 1992 she did, and soon met her husband Ray, the love of her life. Ray and Myra have spent the last 22 years inseparable. They built a home in Franklinville, NJ, which they shared with Ray's mother, Florence Brittain, who Myra called "Mom." Myra and Ray enjoyed travel and socializing with their numerous friends and family. They loved attending actions and antique shows, a passionate hobby they turned into a small business.

After a lifetime of writing advertising copy, Myra returned to graduate school to pursue creative writing. Myra enrolled in the Master of Arts in Writing Program at Rowan University, where she thoroughly enjoyed stretching her writing towards creative pursuits. She loved her classes and her classmates. Myra was poised to graduate in May. On Saturday, her professors and classmates came to her home to award Myra's Masters in a private ceremony at her bedside.

Myra was a person who cherished and adored her friends and family. She leaves behind her beloved husband Ray, sisters, Athene Goldstein and Esther and Howard Blumstein; mother-in-law, Florence Brittain, nieces and nephews, Joshua Goldstein, Claire Goldstein, Rachel Posner, and Jonah Blumstein, Ray's children, Sheila, Kevin, Kristin, Beth, and Brian, grandchildren, Kyra, Alexis, Mandee, Brandon, Eric, Jesse, Chase, and great grandson Zavien, and many wonderful friends.

Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 2 to 3 PM at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua, a CELEBRATION OF LIFE afterwards will be held at 3 PM.

Before she died, Myra expressed the wish to establish a fund to support students in the Rowan University Writing Arts Program. Donations may be made in Myra's memory. Checks should be made payable to Rowan University Foundation and mailed to: Rowan University Foundation, Shpeen Hall, 2nd Floor, 40 N. Academy Street, Glassboro, NJ 08028. Noted on the memo line should be: Myra Schiffmann-Bunya Sandler Memorial Fund.