Lili Kaufmann

Lili Kaufmann (née Verga), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, trailblazer, and lifelong Jewish leader, passed away on July 18, 2025, at the age of 82.

Lili was born on May 24, 1943, in Portland, Maine. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She earned her degree in biology from City College of New York (CCNY), an early sign of her sharp intellect and drive. In 1966, she married Barry Kaufmann, and the two built a life of deep love, family, and service. They moved to Tampa in 1976, where Barry established his surgical practice and where Lili found her lifelong calling in Jewish communal leadership.

From her earliest days in Tampa, Lili dedicated herself to the growth and vibrancy of the Jewish community. Together with Barry, she joined the Tampa Jewish Federation Young Leadership Program, a path that led her to pioneering leadership roles locally, nationally, and internationally. She served as President of the Federation’s Women’s Division, where she founded the Lion of Judah program in Tampa in 1983. She became the first woman to chair the annual campaign, and also served as Treasurer and President of the Tampa JCC/Federation.

Lili’s leadership extended nationally through her work on the UJA Women’s Board, where she helped shape the Lion of Judah Endowment Program and became the first Lion in Tampa to endow her gift. She represented Tampa on the international board of the Jewish Agency for Israel, serving for more than a decade and traveling to Israel multiple times a year to strengthen global Jewish ties.

She was a founding member of Congregation Beth Am and the visionary behind the Lili Kaufmann Lila Tov Overnight Camper Scholarship Fund, which ensures access to Jewish camp experiences for generations to come. Lili often said she had three children: her two sons and the Jewish people.

Lili’s most cherished recognition was receiving the Tikkun Olam Award in 2019—an honor that reflected her lifelong devotion to repairing the world and lifting others through action, compassion, and commitment.

In her 50s, Lili found a new passion in hiking and backcountry exploration. With her characteristic drive, she tackled Mount Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, and the base camp of Mount Everest. She climbed Mount Whitney five times, and spent years exploring the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and the Sierra Nevada mountains, often on solo journeys or women-led wilderness expeditions. She approached these peaks just as she approached her community work with fierce determination, humility, and joy.

Lili was a global traveler, always carving out time to visit friends and family around the world, and creating deep connections everywhere she went. She was known for her powerful sense of purpose and action. Her guiding philosophy was simple but bold: “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done.” She led by example and constantly (and sometimes strongly) encouraged others to step up, give generously, and support Israel with conviction.

Lili is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Dr. Barry Kaufmann; her sons Dr. David Kaufmann (Dr. Dori Charlson) and Peter Kaufmann (Laura Kaufmann); and her treasured grandchildren: Charlotte, Max, Jayden, and Nava. She is also survived by her sister Connie Peterson and her brother Peter Verga.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 in Tampa, FL. Lili’s burial will be at Gan Shalom Cemetery at 9:30 am, a Celebration of Life after at 11:00 am at Congregation Beth Am, and shiva will be observed at the Kaufmann home that evening on Monday, July 21 at 5:00 pm with services at 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lili Kaufmann Lila Tov Overnight Camper Scholarship Fund.

Zichrona Livracha — May her memory be a blessing and an enduring light.