Sylvia "Sooky" Goldman

Sylvia Goldman Memoriam

October 22, 1922 - April 6, 2014 ~~ IN MEMORIAM ~~ Sylvia "Sooky" Goldman passed away in her Beverly Hills home last year on April 6 at the age of 91. On the occasion of the first anniversary of her death, we recall her far-reaching legacy as a dynamic visionary leader for civic and humanitarian causes; a woman of profound courage, style and compassion; and a continuing source of tremendous strength and wisdom for her family and friends. Sooky met her lifelong love and future husband, Sam Goldman, as a teenager in her native Philadelphia, and, after marrying in 1942, they moved to Los Angeles following Sam's military service during WWII. Always partners in support of each other during their 71 years of marriage, they raised three children in Beverly Hills, where they moved in 1953. Sooky quickly and wholly adopted her new community, where her children's well-being first drew her into public service via the PTA and Girl Scouts. When Sooky saw a need, she marshalled forces and addressed it: She channeled her expertise into founding The Maple Counseling Center, People Assisting The Homeless (PATH), and the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild, in addition to numerous arts, youth and educational programs. While bringing her vitality and vision to bear in countless local, state, and national political campaigns, Sooky was particularly involved in the civic life of Beverly Hills, where she ushered in successful school and water bond measures, and chaired the Bicentennial Committee and the city's 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee. She co- founded the Black and White and Backdraft Balls, which continue to benefit the city's police and fire departments. In 1990, the Beverly Hills City Council recognized her contributions with the city's highest award for lifetime service to the community, the key to the city. Sooky was honored by more than 50 organizations, including the United States Congress and the Department of the Interior. The California State Legislature named her Woman of the Year in 1991. The crown jewel in the long list of Sooky's significant achievements is the preservation of Franklin Canyon and the establishment of the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom. As a direct result of Sooky's years of determination and unceasing dedication, 605 acres of wilderness within the urban landscape, once slated for development, are now a part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the National Park Service. With the Sooky Goldman Nature Center at it's heart, WODOC provides an educational resource for thousands of children annually and an unspoiled nature refuge for all. Sooky Goldman was generous in her philanthropy and advocacy, but primary were her friends and, above all, her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was predeceased by her youngest son, Joel Goldman (Jory Feldman) in 2002. For her husband Sam Goldman, sister Berte Rosenfeld, children David Goldman (Myra Lurie) and Kaye Goldman Clarke (Stephen Johnson) and seven grandchildren -- Cary (Meredith Dunn), Max, Zachary, Seth, Jessie, Eli, Jonah -- Sooky continues to be an exemplar of a life well-lived.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Apr. 4 to Apr. 5, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Goldman

Sponsored by anonymous.

3 Entries

Susan Williams

October 17, 2017

At the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom I was privileged to know and work alongside Sooky. She was an exemplary woman, leader, and friend. To her family and all who knew her, I offer my condolences and encouragement to continue her great work.

Robin Silver

June 11, 2015

'Aunt' Sooky was a wonderful person who welcomed me into her family with no hesitation. She will always hold a place in my heart.

Lauren Smith

April 28, 2015

The Internet is a powerful positive tool. As I sit in my corporate office in Atlanta, GA, the Goldman family came to mind. Curiosity peppered with nostalgia of years of friendship prompted me to drop "Syliva Goldman" into the search engine. She was instrumental in cheering on my success, my academic achievements, my self-esteem and worthiness, as a young African American girl wading in the waters of affluence and entitlement at Westlake School for Girls by day, and being treated as a family guest in her beautiful Beverly Hills home while my Aunt and Mother attended to catering service for her real guests. This woman soon embraced her "help" as part of her family during an era of common racial divide. She soon made sure my mother and aunt were embraced in her circle as equals, respected for their culinary talents and "Emily Post" etiquette, elegance and hospitality. Equally, she embraced their children, inviting us to participate in Passover Dinners and especially getting a kick out of frequently taking me out to lunch at an exclusive club or restaurant and boldly introducing me as her niece. Thank you Aunt Sooky. I did arrive to the destination your heart of kindness desired for me -- Associate General Counsel for an International Corporation. You were instrumental in my development. Thank you for all the hugs and kisses; the notes and gifts; the words of encouragement and excitement in each accomplishment. Despite your huge devotion to your immediate family and civic leadership, you still made time to make a difference -- you planted seeds of worthiness in me. I am forever grateful. Love, Your Niece "Sassy"

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