Randee Sorscher
Randee Sorscher, who taught linguistics at U-M-Dearborn for 24 years, died at her home in Southfield Aug. 29. She was 61 and had been fighting cancer for several years.
Sorscher, who retired as an instructor in 1998, was a popular teacher on campus. She taught a variety of courses in linguistics and composition, including “History of the English Language” and “Gender Differences in Language.” She continued to lecture to classes in business communication and other subjects following her retirement.
In addition to her service in the classroom, Sorscher left a bequest to establish a scholarship fund at U-M-Dearborn named in honor of her parents, Sidell and Samuel Sorscher. In 2001, she made a donation to establish a contemplative garden on campus that was dedicated in memory of her grandmothers.
“I hope in the years to come many people will enjoy this quiet spot, solve problems, reestablish psychological equilibrium, enjoy the fragrances and colors, and note the changes of the seasons,” she said at the garden’s dedication in 2001.
Sorscher grew up in Flint and graduated from Flint Central High School. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from U-M in 1964 and 1967. She also studied at the Universite de Poitiers in France.
She taught French at Clarkston High School and linguistics on the Ann Arbor campus before joining the U-M-Dearborn faculty as a lecturer in linguistics in 1974.
She is survived by her sister Berna Sorscher of Flint and brothers Stanley Sorscher of Seattle and Mitchell Sorscher of Walnut Creek, Calif.
A funeral service was held Aug. 31 at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Memorial contributions may be made to U-M-Dearborn, Office of Institutional Advancement, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128; or to the Hospice of Henry Ford, Plymouth Office, 260 Union, Plymouth, MI 48170; or to a charity of one’s choice.
