Sophia Gumenick

Sophia Gumenick

Sophia Gumenick Obituary

Published by Bliley's Funeral Home Central Chapel on Mar. 27, 2004.
Sophia Gumenick, philanthropist and patron of the arts, died yesterday. She was 101. Mrs. Gumenick and her late husband, Nathan, lived in Richmond, Va. from the 1920s to the 1950s when they moved to Miami. The couple maintained lifelong ties to both cities. Their interest and affection for both communities were expressed through significant contributions to medical, educational, religious and cultural institutions, like the Medical College of Virginia, the University of Richmond, University of Miami, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Temple Beth Ahabah in Richmond. Throughout their early years of marriage, Sophia supported Nathan in his work and pursued the role of homemaker, taking care of her children and husband. In her later years, Sophia was an avid admirer of the arts. She particularly loved the Miami Opera, considering it a special institution that combines the best cultural and social qualities that Miami has to offer. The Gumenicks were strong supporters of the Greater Miami Opera Association. In fact, Sophia was a member of the Crown Jewel Society. Besides a strong interest in the arts and her community, Sophia also was an ardent gardener. She particularly enjoyed raising orchids and roses. Sophia also belonged to the Sisterhood of both Temple Israel in Miami and Temple Beth Ahabah in Richmond. Mrs. Gumenick was born in Baltimore, Md. on November 27, 1902. She was raised and educated there. She married Nathan Gumenick there in 1921, and the couple then moved to Richmond, Va. They remained together for 75 years, until Nathan's death in 1996. Nathan Gumenick was an accomplished entrepreneur who succeeded in both the food distribution business and later in commercial real estate development. Nathan and Sophia loved the Miami area, and Nathan recognized the tremendous potential of the region. He built Southgate Towers, Miami Beach's first high-rise apartment complex. This successful project helped create the modern South Florida lifestyle. Concerned with the provision of quality healthcare, the Gumenicks supported a number of medical organizations. In South Florida, Nathan and Sophia were original Founders of Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. This connection led to the establishment of the Sophia and Nathan S. Gumenick Ambulatory Care Center. Dedicated in 1983, the Ambulatory Care Center brought outpatient care to Miami Beach for the first time. Their continued support of the center allowed an expansion in 1990. Other gifts went to the Burn Center at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, the Alzheimer's Respite Center of the Douglas Gardens Miami Jewish Home and Hospital, the Alzheimer's wing at the Virginia Methodist Home and the Sophia and Nathan Gumenick Suites at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. Educational institutions also received gifts from the Gumenicks. The family supported the University of Miami, the College of William and Mary, and the University of Richmond. The latter awarded Nathan and Sophia honorary doctorates in 1983. The Sophia and Nathan Gumenick Academic Quadrangle on the University of Richmond campus bears their names. They also supported the Sophia and Nathan Gumenick Media Center at the Collegiate Schools, a private educational institution in Richmond. They provided support for William and Mary's Chair for Judaic Studies. The University of Miami had special meaning for the Gumenicks. Sophia and Nathan belonged to the school's "Society of Founders". This family also contributed to the Gumenick Lobby at the University of Miami's Richter Library. The family's religious convictions were reflected in support of many causes. The family created the Gumenick Chapel at Temple Israel in Miami as well as the Gumenick Chapel at Temple Beth Ahabah in Richmond. Nathan and Sophia were major contributors to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. Family support also has gone to the Jewish Museum of Florida and the Jewish Community Center of Richmond Symbolic of the family's commitment to peace and a better understanding of our world, the Gumenicks provided funds for the creation of the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. They hold the distinction of being founding members of this institution. Mrs. Gumenick is survived by her son, Jerome of Richmond, and five grandchildren: Randolph S. Gumenick of Miami Beach, Jeffrey H. Gumenick of Richmond, Betty Sue Grandis Le Page of Richmond, Linda Grandis Blatt of New Convent, New Jersey, and Nancy Grandis White of Richmond and Naples, Fla. Funeral arrangements in Richmond are being handled by Bliley Funeral Homes, Central Chapel. Plans call for a memorial service next week at Temple Beth Ahabah with interment at Hebrew Cemetery. Specific dates and times will be announced later.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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June 10, 2006

Neil Gumenick posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2004

Ernest Littles posted to the memorial.

March 31, 2004

Irvin Bernstein posted to the memorial.

Neil Gumenick

June 10, 2006

Hi Jerry,

I send late, but heartfelt condolences. I remember well vacationing with my parents, Herman and Harriet Gumenick in Miami Beach and strolling along Collins Ave. with Nat and Sophie, as well as visiting them, and you at the cabana at the Fountainebleau.



I have been living in California for the last 26 years and have three grown children myself.



God bless you and yours,



Neil R. Gumenick

Ernest Littles

May 5, 2004

Sorry for your lost. I didn,t know your mother,except for the beautiful suite named after her at MCV.

Security Supervisor

Irvin Bernstein

March 31, 2004

Jerry,

Sorry to hear of your Mothers demise.

Recently traveled the hotels on Collins Ave.and rekindled the sweet memories where I always hitched a ride with you at the University of Miami week end breaks.

Dr. Marvin & Lois Meitus

March 28, 2004

Our heartfelt sympathy to the loved ones of Sophie. Knowing Sophie and being her doctor years ago was a privelege and a pleasure.

Ms. Barbara Thalhimer

March 28, 2004

Jerry,

Please know I'm thinking about you. My memories go back all the way to growing up together on Oak Lane.

My best to you, Jeff, Randy and all your family.

Fondly, Barbara

Tino Fincato

March 27, 2004

I had the honor of knowing and serving mr. and Mrs. Gumenick for nearly 13 years while working at "La Petite France" in Richmond, Virginia in the 1970s and early 80s, they will always be remembered by me for their kindness and their good hearths.

dudley gravatt

March 27, 2004

Jerry;

Sorry to read about your mom.You

probably don't remember me ,but we were at TJ together in`46.

Best wishes,

Dudley

Jerry and Evie Schwartz

March 27, 2004

Dear Jerry and Family:

Just learned that Sophia passed away. We were so sorry and extend our most sincere condolences to you and yours. May your fond memories help sustain you. Best wishes to you all for good health!

Robert Baydush

March 27, 2004

Jerry,

Thinking of you.

Take care of yourself and best regards to Gigi.

Bob

Pete ierardi

March 27, 2004

Jerry~~it has been a long time that we have seen each other~~my condolences~~I lost my mother 5 years ago

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Sign Sophia Gumenick's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 10, 2006

Neil Gumenick posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2004

Ernest Littles posted to the memorial.

March 31, 2004

Irvin Bernstein posted to the memorial.