Shifra was born on February 1, 1953, in Rehovot, to the Kosto family.
She grew up in the Sha’arayim neighborhood of Rehovot and studied at WIZO in both the academic and sewing programs. As a child, she enjoyed crafting dolls from stones, twigs, and fabric scraps, and as an adult, she continued to create dolls, blankets and pillows.
In 1971, she enlisted in the Nahal Brigade and arrived in Nir Oz, where she met Yossinyu Gross, whom she later married. They had two daughters, Dorit and Efrat. After about seven years of marriage, they divorced, and Shifra adopted the surname Noy.
For about thirty years, Shifra worked as a kindergarten teacher on the kibbutz, and many children learned to pronounce the guttural Hebrew letters het and ‘ayin properly thanks to her. She supported children with disabilities and helped elderly kibbutz residents with household chores and cooking. After retiring, she managed the secondhand shop in the communa (the kibbutz laundry and clothing collective), and returned to her first love — sewing. Shifra created about 150 fabric dolls for her children and grandchildren. Her favorite was a white dog doll, which she refused to part with — not even for her beloved grandchildren.
Shifra’s home was always open and welcoming, and she took great joy in hosting gatherings. She observed traditions and customs and compiled family recipes into a booklet. Shifra was the glue that held everyone together, and family unity was always her highest priority. She cared for everyone, regardless of who they were, and always saw the good in people.
Shifra was murdered in her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, where she had lived for 51 years. The house was completely destroyed by fire, and all that survived was part of Shifra’s extensive thimble collection.
Shifra was laid to rest alongside her parents in the Sha’arayim Marmorek Cemetery in Rehovot.
Shifra will be remembered as a loving mother, a caring grandmother to Libi, Lotan and Inbar, an educator, a skilled cook and a talented and beloved woman who touched the lives of all who knew her.
She was 71 years old at the time of her death.
May Shifra’s memory be a blessing.
