Born on November 18, 1912 in Springfield, MA to Libby and Morris Cohen, immigrants from Russia, the family moved to Brooklyn, NY when she was 14.

Trained as a teacher, she taught young children with physical disabilities in the New York. When she met Sam Kaufman, he was working in a defense plant and going to college at night. They married in 1940 and after WWII, Ceil continued to teach while Sam went to medical school to become a podiatrist. In 1948 they moved to Martinsville, VA.

Ceil’s drive was always to help and was involved first in her husband’s practice; then volunteering with the Red Cross, Mental Health, and as financial secretary of the Ohev Zion Synagogue until she became ill in 2005.

She then moved to her daughter’s house in the Hudson Valley, recovered and thrived with the help of an adopted dog named Cricket. She was the oldest person registering voters for the 2008 Presidential election In her 100th year, she received her most prized birthday greeting from the President and Michelle Obama. She died at home with her children and animals.

She is survived by a son, Murray Kaufman of California and her daughter, Linda Rice­Mandigo of New York. Cecelia Kaufman will be buried next to her husband, Dr. Samuel Kaufman at Ohev Zion Cemetery in Martinsville, VA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. To send the family an online condolence, please visit www.hufcutfuneralhome.com