It is with a deep sadness that I share with family and friends that our beautiful mother has passed away.
A few words about her wonderful life, the values she instilled in those around her and the love she gave to us all.
Michele Golden
Published on Month, Day, Year
Her Early Years
My mother was born in Brooklyn and came from a loving family. She often spoke of her parents, Anne and Maurice with great affection and admiration. Soon after graduating the University of Michigan, she lost her beloved father.
Over the years, Mom remained devoted to our wonderful grandmother and close to her brother Alan and his children Marc, Ronald and wife Sonia. Mom was also very fond of my father’s relatives, and treasured family gatherings and special events with his sister Aileen, his nieces Cindy, Laurel and Joyce, her husband Mark, and their children.
About Mom
My mother loved reading biographies and romance novels. She loved old black and white classic films, the opera and the theater. Especially ones with music and beautiful costumes. She loved elegant table settings, evening gowns, ice cream and anything chocolate.
Sometimes I think she was from a different era. She loved dressing up regardless of the hour or occasion.
Mom truly enjoyed the political world and being the wife of a politician. One evening she bumped into Steve Ross of Warner Communications at a dinner party. During their conversation, she mentioned how much she loved the movie Gone with the Wind. Lo and behold, a few years later, out of the blue, when Gone with the Wind came out on video, Steve sent her one of the first editions. For years after, she would always tease my father - that Steve was the one guy she would leave him for! Of course, half kidding:)
Mom loved her work, keeping busy and valued her independence. She enjoyed volunteering whether at Christie's Auction House, or one of the local hospitals.
Among Her Accomplishments
My mother attended Columbia University where she pursued Educational Studies, specializing in Literacy and Supervision.
During her career, she was highly respected as a Teacher, Administrator, Deputy Superintendent of District 21 and Professor at Brooklyn and Touro Colleges. She was actively involved in the NYC/ASCD, where she was selected as the first President of that Nationwide Organization in New York City. The goal of the association is to empower educators to achieve excellence in learning, teaching and leading so every child is healthy, safe, engaged and challenged. Throughout her life, she remained dedicated to tutoring, teaching and inspiring young people.
In many ways she was ahead of her time and was a wonderful role model for young women. She was also proud to hold the title of First Lady of Brooklyn for 25 years.
My Mom and Dad
My parents lived life on their own terms, consistent in their values, and in their love for each other. And so glamorous, a movie star couple they were. Together they traveled the world; to Italy, Greece, Japan, Norway, Russia, South America and just about every Caribbean island. Often with a group of close friends.
For me, they represented a time that is fleeting, never to return. A time of different values. When a handshake was your word. When people got dressed up to go to dinner, to the theater. When people were more patriotic. When life seemed more civilized. They were a couple from another era. One that we shall never see again.
As they grew older, there were still cruises and beautiful love letters exchanged. And taking care of one another between doctor and hospital visits. Even Valentine's Day recently celebrated at the famed River Cafe, one of their favorites.
They were always there for my sister, Dana and her husband Lawrence, and for their grandchildren, Jamie and Andrew whom they adored. We were all truly loved.
In Her Absence
I will miss my mother's thank you notes, gorgeous birthday cards, and flowers. And our early morning calls. Our lunches at Bergdorfs. And her voice at the end of a difficult day telling me - "tomorrow is another day”. I will even miss her telling me to make my hair blond and wear more makeup.
My mother and I were very different people. Different personalities and views. From different generations. She was a Capricorn. I am a Cancer. It was not always easy. But she was the first one I would call with good news and the first one I would call when things did not go my way. She was the first one I would call on my way home from a long trip. No matter the time of day, the weather outside, she was always there for us.
She was my rock. She always supported my dreams, however far away they seemed. "Don’t think about anything unpleasant.” "Only beautiful thoughts.” “Attitude is everything.“ “Life goes by very fast - with a blink of the eye. Have FUN.”
All she wanted was for us to be happy and fulfilled. I will miss her every day.
With profound gratitude and love,
Michele