Frima Carmela Kain

Frima Carmela Kain was born in New York City to Albert and Bertha Schoolman on January 26, 1927. Her life in many ways exemplifies what the United States is supposed to be about. She was born to immigrant parents, Albert and Bertha Schoolman, who, after first receiving college degrees, became very successful members of society, dedicating their lives to Jewish education, Zionism, and other causes. Her father was best known for founding Cejwin Camps in Port Jervis, NY where Frima and her children spent their summers for almost 50 years. Her mother was a leader of Hadassah, a Jewish women’s organization, which became very important to Frima later in her life. Frima, like her parents, went to college and was one of the first women to graduate with an engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University where she also met her husband Joseph Kain.

Giving up her engineering job at the Applied Physics Lab to raise a family, Frima and Joe bought a home in Silver Spring, Maryland where they raised their 3 sons. Living off Joe’s modest income as an Electrical Engineer working for the government, Frima and Joe prioritized their children’s education over everything else. Despite major sacrifices, all three were able to attend private universities.

Throughout her life, Frima dedicated herself to her children, husband, parents, and entire extended family. Whether it was driving her kids to activities, helping them with their homework, or doing anything in her power to ensure their happiness, Frima was always there for her family 24 hours a day. She hosted annual Sukkah parties for her relatives and friends and hardly ever missed a family get together. Frima didn’t have a selfish bone in her body and always saw the best in everyone. This was evident to everyone who met her.

Frima passed away on February 19, 2015 and is survived by her three sons: Leonard, Michael, and Gary, and four grandchildren: Michelle, Jessica, Jodi, and Jack.