Edith Kligman

Edie Kligman (nee Toizer), 84, peacefully passed away on March 20, 2025, in Abington, Pennsylvania. Born on September 15, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Edie lived a life defined by dedication to her family, community, and human rights.

Edie met the love of her life, Stan Kligman (1938-2021), in Strawberry Mansion when she was just 13 years old. They married at 17 and shared 63 years nurturing their family, traveling from Cape Cod to Malaysia, and reading the newspaper together on their front porch.

She is survived and celebrated by her brother Alfred Toizer (Elaine Toizer); her daughters Ann Bluestein (Marc Bluestein) and Linda Kligman (Gary Welch) and her nine grandchildren whom she doted on: Michael Bluestein, Brian Bluestein, Talia Bluestein, Alette Boyle (Kieron Boyle), Oonagh Kligman (Mia Limmer), Challan Kligman, Dylan Welch, Sean Welch, and Joseph Welch.

Her inquisitive mind and generous spirit inspired family, friends, and colleagues. She was the epitome of bravery and grace. Knowing her felt like you were always receiving a hug. Edie cared deeply for people—their rights, their potential—and worked tirelessly to make the world a better place.

A proud graduate of Temple University, Edie broke barriers as the first woman and the first secular Jew to serve as Executive Director and CEO of the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Philadelphia. Her leadership was marked by an unwavering commitment to enriching lives—whether through providing meals, early childhood education, senior care, or fostering Yiddish programming. She was a passionate advocate for social justice and volunteered her time with Montgomery County’s Laurel House and the League of Women Voters, among many other organizations. She donated generously, lobbied tirelessly, and protested fearlessly to protect the rights and well-being of others.

Edie found joy in theater, ballet, and museums—always eager to share these experiences with friends and family. She delighted in hosting family dinners where stories were exchanged with warmth and laughter. A lover of words and wit, she completed crossword puzzles in ink and saved the funnies for her grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 11 AM at Goldsteins' Rosenberg's Funeral Directors Inc., 6410 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19126. Shiva will be observed Sunday and Monday evenings from 4 PM to 8 PM at Linda and Gary’s home.

As Hillel once said and Edie embodied: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?" In honor of Edie's lifelong dedication to the community, donations in her memory may be made to the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society, P.O. Box 36806, Philadelphia, PA 19107, www.fhbs.org, the Yiddish Book Center, 1021 West St., Amherst, MA 01002, www.yiddishbookcenter.org, or a charity of the donor's choice. In honor of Edie’s love of humanity, make the time to hear someone’s story.