Zena Genkins Schiff, a remarkable woman who lived to be 97, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2025, in Winter Park. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 10, 1927, to Sidney and Dorothy Genkins, she married Morton “Mickey” Schiff for an incredible 52 years until his passing in 2000. In 1957, they moved to Orlando with four young children, settling into a house that Zena cherished until her final days. On moving to Orlando, they joined Congregation of Reform Judaism where she has been an active member for 67 years - the longest living member of CRJ.

Zena is survived by her loving children, Martin Schiff (Nina) of Maitland, Charles Zvi Schiff (Sara) of Jerusalem, Israel, Marcy Brown (Jay Kaplan) of Orlando, and Judy Kahan (Elliott Davis) of Longwood. She is also survived by her 14 devoted grandchildren and her 49 great-grandchildren.

Zena’s journey was marked by unwavering dedication and a commitment to breaking barriers. She embraced the concept of gender equality from a young age, starting her career at the Monticello, New York telephone company when she was just 18. Her story is one of resilience and perseverance. In 1945, upon arriving at work, she was informed of FDR’s passing and immediately embraced the chaos that ensued at the switchboard. Throughout the 1960s, she served as the head of the Jewish Community Council, a precursor to today’s Shalom Orlando. In 1983, she founded Zenith Travel Consultants, navigating the industry’s ups and downs with grace and embracing technological advancements. Her passion for helping others continued until she reached the remarkable age of 92.

Zena was a true sweetheart, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone she met. She was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to countless people. She had a knack for getting to know everyone she met, remembering their stories and making them feel like they were part of her family.

Zena loved cooking, sipping on a glass of wine, and hosting gatherings for her loved ones. Her backyard pool was always a welcome haven for friends, children of friends, and anyone who needed a cool escape.

She would be honored if you would like to make a donation in Zena’s memory, you can do so at Congregation of Reform Judaism (ttps://www.crjorlando.org).

Zena’s funeral will be held 10:30 AM, Sunday, June 8, 2025 in the Jacob "Yank" Frank Memorial Chapel at Temple Israel Cemetery (9200 Morton Jones Road, Gotha, FL) with Rabbi Emeritus Steven Engel of Congregation of Reform Judaism officiating. Interment will follow at Congregation Reform Judaism Cemetery alongside her loving husband. May she rest in peace, and may her memory always be a source of comfort and joy for all who knew her.

Service entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 933 Lee Road, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180.