Molly Herstein Blum Halpern

1909 - 2010

Molly Herstein Blum Halpern passed away Oct. 25, 2010, just shy of her 101st birthday.

She is survived by her daughter, Arlene Shatsky of Oxnard; her son, Richard Blum and daughter-in-law Nancee, of Iowa City, Iowa; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter; as well as her sister, Sally Leviton of St. Paul, Minn.

Born in Russia, Dec. 5, 1909, she was hesitant to discuss her age until she reached the age of 100. She called her 100th birthday and the accompanying celebration, "The best day of my life!"

Molly was twice married. Her husband David Blum with whom she had two children died in 1971. In 1982 she married Casper Halpern and they had some very happy years together. Molly considered her stepchildren and step-grandchildren to very much be a part of her family and loved them dearly. In recent years, Molly deeply enjoyed the championship and love of Jack Ryan. Molly loved to dance and regularly did so with her folk dance group where she had many dear friends.

No one lives to be 100 years old without the help of many fine caregivers. Molly's caregivers included Ofelia De Jesus, the staff of Westwood Horizons, and The Venturan Convalescent Home.

There will be a graveside service for Molly at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at The Home of Peace Cemetery, 4334 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Harmony Hill Retreat Center, 7362 E. State Route 106, Union, WA 98592 or www.harmonyhill.org. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com.