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Muriel Goldsmith Obituary
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Muriel Goldsmith passed away October 22, 2011, of pancreatic cancer. She was 89.
Born in Chicago, Muriel moved to LA in the 1940s, where she met and married Marvin Goldsmith, and had five daughters.
Muriel was passionate about art, culture, literature and politics, and was long active in union, anti-war and social justice movements, joining protest marches, speaking out and fighting for the rights of others.
During the McCarthy era, she lost her teaching job for refusing to sign a loyalty oath. Once her children were grown, she returned to work as a teaching assistant at the Salvin School. She was also a volunteer at the Closet Liberal thrift shop and the Folk Art Museum, and raised funds with her famous garage sales for the Office of the Americas.
She was smart, elegant, active, engaging, and a voracious reader throughout her life. She had an enormous circle of friends, both young and old. She opened her home and heart to all.
She is survived by daughters, Jane, Elizabeth and Laura Goldsmith, sons-in-law, Steven Zaillian and Mark Plummer, grandsons, Charles and Nick Zaillian and Hugo and Leo Plummer. She was predeceased by her husband, Marvin, and daughters, Anne Goldsmith and Margaret Goldsmith-Plummer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Support Community Benjamin Center, or to KPFK.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Muriel Goldsmith
Romany Turner
November 7, 2011
Dearest Laura, Jane, Elizabeth, Steve, Mark, Hugo, Leo, Charlie and Nick
My deepest condolences to you all for the huge loss of dearest Muriel.
Reading this obituary made me very sad again but also really proud to have been one of Muriel's many friends from all over the US and the World.
It's hard to put into words how much knowing her enriched my life - she was such a good friend to me over the last 16 years of knowing her. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to have spent time living at her incredibly beautiful family home, which was so much part of her - filled with amazing Quimper ceramics and much treasured antiques of which we shared a common love. I spent so many joyful summers on holiday at her home, chatting in the kitchen about many and varied subjects, of family, art, antiques, literature, movies and I learned so much about Muriel's rich and varied life in Chicago and then Los Angeles. She generously welcomed me into her home and her heart and introduced me to a whole new facet of family life during my trips to Los Angeles, not least by being welcomed into all of your homes and hearts too. Our trips to the Fairfax Swap meet on weekends, to see the latest Woody Allen movie at the Grove, meals at Fiddlers restaurant her favourite cocktail at Musos, and the openings at the Folk Museum on Wilshire became an annual tradition for me with Muriel, which I will miss terribly. Her zest for life and energy was infectious and unstoppable - most recently in May she hosted one of her infamous yard sales and then spent 2 hours later that evening hosting the guests on the door of the latest exhibit at the Folk Museum, outstaying all of us!! She was inspirational, warm, witty and incredibly generous in the way she welcomed me into her life and heart. I will treasure the momentos she used to pack me off with on my return to London, and moreover treasure my relationship with her and you all, her beautiful family who made her so proud,
thank you Muriel for your everlasting, inspirational vivacity and kindness,
your loving friend, Romany
Romany Turner
November 7, 2011
Dearest Laura, Jane, Elizabeth, Steve, Mark, Hugo, Leo, Charlie and Nick
Reading this obituary made me really sad again but then really proud to have been one of Muriel's many friends from all over the US and the World.
It's hard to put into words how much knowing her enriched my life - she was such a good friend to me over the last 16 years of knowing her. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to have spent time living at her incredibly beautiful family home, which was so much part of her - filled with amazing Quimper ceramics and much treasured antiques of which we shared a common love. I spent so many joyful summers on holiday at her home, chatting in the kitchen about many and varied subjects, of family, art, antiques, literature, movies and I learned so much about Muriel's rich and varied life in Chicago and then Los Angeles. She generously welcomed me into her home and her heart and introduced me to a whole new facet of family life during my trips to Los Angeles, not least meeting and being welcomed into all your family homes too. Our trips to the Fairfax Swap meet on weekends, to see the latest Woody Allen movie at the Grove, meals at Fiddlers & her favourite cocktail at Musos restaurant and the openings at the Folk Museum on Wilshire became an annual tradition for me with Muriel. Her zest for life and energy was infectious and unstoppable - most recently in May she hosted one of her infamous yard sales and then spent 2 hours hosting the guests on the door of the latest exhibit at the Folk Museum, outstaying all of us!! She was inspirational, warm, witty and incredibly generous in the way she welcomed me into her life and heart. I will treasure the momentos she used to pack me off with on my return to London, and moreover treasure my relationship with her and you all, her beautiful family who made her so proud,
thank you Muriel for your incredible friendship & everlasting, inspirational vivacity and kindness,
your loving friend Romany
sharon oreck
November 7, 2011
how do stay totally adorable until you're ninety?
muriel took the answer with her....
xxxsharon
Edwin Atzenhoffer
November 6, 2011
Dear Laura, Elizabeth and Jane: I am sorry for your loss and wish to express my deepest sympathy to you and your families. Muriel was a loving mother and giving supporter of the arts. She had a great sense of humor and great taste too. As children we looked up to her and loved her creativity. To my knowledge, she was the oldest of the Ferrels of our linage. Peace be with you all.
beth (atzenhoffer) gupta anker
November 5, 2011
Jane, Elizabeth and Laura (& family)
Although it has been years since our meeting, keeping in contact and seeing various family members has always happened throughout those years. Aunt Muriel, will be greatly missed by all who came in touch as well as greatly admired. I will always remember our family gatherings as growing up, especially the Chicago visits. God be with all family and friends , as healing is processed...life continues. Love, thoughts and prayers to all.
November 5, 2011
dear Janie,Eliabeth, &Laura,
I am so sorry to hear of Muriel passing.
I just found out about this sad event (milestone?!) yesterday from Sylvia Jaffee. I know you must be heart broken now ....but this too will pass & will become a legacy! I know because I lost my mother (Muriel's close friend from the Orange Grove Ave. & Ogden Dr. days 50's & early 60's) Martha Sausen! Do you remember us at all? Janie, this is Neal Sausen writting to you, do you remember me we used to play together when we were about 7,8,9, years of age or so around (19)58, 59, 60 or thereabouts)! WAY BACK!!
I remember your mom used to make us spagehtti with just butter & "Kraft Parmesian cheese" for a topping!.... very simple but I gotta tell you.... "good!" (I) STILL prepare it this way TO THIS DAY! (I learned this recipe from your mom)!
Anyway.... my mom tried to contact your mom like in the1980's but was un-able to do so as your phone # (the one we had on her) was no longer in service. The last I heard you all had moved to around the Wilshire/La Brea area. Mom was quite sad that she had "lost contact" with Muriel, as, she (Martha) & your Mom had always kept in touch regularly through out the '60s & '70's! My Mom had tried several "sources" to find Muriel, but failed to do so mom eventually gave up; she asumed you all moved away. Mom passed away in April of '07 & Dad passed a month later in May. Janie if you remember us please feel free to contact me any time
@ 818.785.9357 or e-mail: [email protected]
Again, my sympathies go out to you & your sisters at this time of sorrow!
Love from Neal Sausen (from long, long ago)! 11-05-11 @2:15 p.m.
Jane Meade-Roberts
November 5, 2011
Dear Janie, Elizabeth and Laura, I was so sad to hear of your mom's passing. She was such a good friend to my mother and to me. Please know that you are in my thoughts. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any help.
Always,
Janie, (Schrage) Meade-Roberts
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