Elizabeth Goodman Klein

Charlotte – Elizabeth Hofeller Goodman Klein, 89, passed away on March 1, 2015 with close family and her devoted husband of 70 years by her side. A native Charlottean, Elizabeth Klein was born in Presbyterian Hospital on April 24, 1925 to Charlotte notables Katherine and Arthur Goodman. After graduating from Central High School in 1943, Elizabeth attended Women's College, now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Home for the holidays during her sophomore year, Elizabeth met her future husband of seven decades, an Air Force soldier, at a Christmas Eve dance for service personnel. By New Year's Eve, Walter proposed a marriage which would produce four children, eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren to date, and a lifetime of happiness.

Known for immense pride in both family and home, Elizabeth had a special affinity for her native Queen City, and she contributed generously and tirelessly to every community in which she immersed herself. Her sense of duty and involvement manifested from a young age and she named Charlotte's first Reform synagogue, Temple Beth El, at its founding in her parent's home on Providence Road. An active volunteer in both civic and religious organizations, her contributions were as diverse as her many interests, including, most notably, YWCA Board Director, Co-Director of Charlotte's first Exchange Student Program,Hornet's Nest Girl Scout Council Member and PR Chair, State Board of Charlotte's Hadassah Chapter and past President of the Regional Hadassah Board, Charlotte Biblical Garden Board Member, Temple Beth El Sisterhood President, Vice-President of Matthews PTA, and an active member of B'nai B'rith until the present.

Renowned for opening her gracious home for charities, Elizabeth played both hostess and patron to Charlotte Symphony Previews and numerous community receptions. Among these was an appearance by Andre Previn and the London Symphony, who played in her living room, along with many other celebrities who passed through Charlotte in the pursuit of the city's artistic growth.

Beyond her extensive biological family, Elizabeth was a mother to innumerable international exchange students, a year at a time. "Mom" to many of those students still, Elizabeth is remembered for opening her heart and her home to all who passed her way. She remained intimately and consistently involved with those teenagers-now-turned-grandparents.

Elizabeth's four children, Richard A. Klein, Robert Klein, Katherine K. Thiry, and Betsy Klein survive her, as does her devoted and beloved husband, Walter J. Klein. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Katherine Goodman, her brother, Arthur Goodman Jr. and his wife Joyce, sister-in-law, Janice Schlosser and her husband Jerome, and nieces, Beth Goodman and Beverly Goodman.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Temple Beth El, 5100 Providence Rd., Rabbi Judith Schindler officiating, followed by interment at Hebrew Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Elizabeth Goodman Klein Fund at Temple Beth El, 5100 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC.