In Memoriam: Sara Sheiner

Sara Sheiner died in her mid-eighties on April 10, 1995. She belonged to the first generation of graduates of the American Institute of Psychoanalysis and she soon became a central personality within its faculty. She had the benefit of having received her training during Karen Horney's lifetime, and she remained a pivotal figure of Horneyan thought throughout her career. During many years she served as the associate dean during Harold Kelman's tenure. She left the Institute at the time of the unfortunate split, but returned in recent years and rejoined the faculty.

She was a remarkably gifted teacher whose clinical acumen shone through even when discussing theory. She never got lost in esoterics, but had an innate grasp for what is essential. She certainly possessed a keen intellect that was coupled with a strength of character that allowed her to be gentle and firm at the same time. Those who had the good fortune of being analyzed by her came to rely on her decency, reliability, and common sense. She was, indeed, what a clinician should be.

Her life history, rugged as it was, may have contributed to her maturation. Even her professional career was unusual. She came to psychiatry and psychoanalysis after having been an obstetrician and gynecologist first.

Born and raised in the western Canadian province of Alberta, she moved to New York and received part of her education in New York City. However, she returned to Alberta for her medical training and she received her M.D. degree at Edmonton.

Her personal life was beset by an unusual sequence of tragedies. She married three times and lost all her husbands, the first two through death at an early age, the last one only a few years ago. Twice in her life she became a single parent. She knew deep suffering and pain, yet every time she rallied. During the last months of her life she confronted the progression of her failing health with courage and honesty.

We admire her and will miss her.