Obituary of Sara Sue Prugh

Sara Sue Sopkin Prugh Sara Sue Sopkin Prugh, 68, was called home by The Lord on Monday, August 19, 2013. She was born in Chattanooga, TN, but lived most of her life in Tampa, FL. Sara was predeceased by her husband, Terry, and her parents, Maj. Seymour S. Sopkin (USAF-Ret.) and Mary Lucille Sopkin. Sara is survived by her sister, Mary Rebecca Sopkin Dressler (Gene), her brother, James S. Sopkin (Mary), her nephew, Stephen Edward Dressler, her nieces, Charity Anne Sopkin Plath, Kristin Lee Sopkin, and Jennifer Sarah Dressler Broecker (Terry), her great-nephews, James Christopher (J.C.) Plath, Liam Jon Broecker, and Everett Eugene Broecker, and her beloved cats, Cagney and Lacey. Sara is also survived by many good friends that she considered her extended family, especially Rekha Chandra, M.D., Vijay Chandra, Bebe Price Gholston, Kathleen Cabble, Gale Lutes, and Gayle Porter. After graduating from Tampa's Chamberlain High School in 1963, Sara worked for ten years at Delta Airlines as a reservationist. She went on to attend the Univ. of South Florida in Tampa, earning a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Criminal Justice. After receiving her master's degree, Sara worked with the Victim’s Assistance Program at the Largo, FL Police Dept. In 1981, she spearheaded the new Victim Advocacy Program for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Dept. Both programs were used as models for similar programs in Florida and other states. In 1986, she was named “The National Victim Advocate of the Year” by the National Organization for Victim Assistance. In 1989, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by graduating from the University of South Carolina, School of Law. After receiving her law degree, Sara worked for twelve years as a staff attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. She ended her legal career with the Social Security Administration. Sara was a charter member of Temple Terrace United Methodist Church, and was a member of Palma Ceia United Methodist Church for many years. Sara was a selfless person who spent her days helping others. She had a wide circle of friends and was beloved and respected by all. Sara simply could not turn her back on anyone in need. Heaven has truly gained a wonderful angel who epitomizes the spirit of giving. Sara's favorite place to spend her leisure time was at the beach. She took frequent trips to the Gulf beaches with "The Hot Flashes", a group of Sara's closest friends (you know who you are!). There will be a celebration of Sara's life at a grave side service at Palmetto Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 23, 2013, officiated by Pastor Robert Spurgin of Temple Terrace United Methodist Church. The homegoing celebration will continue when the family receives friends from 1:00 - 4:00pm at the home of Becky and Gene Dressler, 1927 Curry Rd., Lutz, Fl. 33549. For more information, please call (813) 978-8161 or (813) 908-6367. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sara's honor to the Mary Lucille Martin Sopkin Nursing Scholarship (Univ. of South Florida College of Nursing) and Camp Good Days and Special Times (www.campgooddays.org/‎) would be greatly appreciated. Sara's family would like to give special thanks to her excellent and beloved healing team, especially Christopher George, M.D., Lisa Laches, ARNP, Sylvia Campbell, M.D., Colleen Campbell, M.D., Domenick J. Reina, M.D., Eric Rost, M.D., Avinash Sharma, R.Ph., and Bob Parrino, PhD. Sara's family would also like to thank the staff of the Cancer Institute and the Critical Care Unit at St. Joseph's (Main) Hospital for their wonderful and compassionate care. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Griffith-Cline Funeral and Cremation Services, 720 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL, 34205 www.GriffithCline.com.