Miriam Lora Bearse

Miriam was a sister, mother, spouse, aunt, daughter, friend, lover, dreamer, drummer, guide, dancer, advocate & healer.

She spent early years in Princeton, NJ, in the family home on Leigh Avenue, tending valuable friendships there as a teenager in high school and through her 20's. Miriam’s spirit was also drawn to the seascape of Gloucester, MA, where she has roots.

Her life was shaped by education and learning. Miriam attended Smith College and Columbia University, conducted feminist oral history research in England, and she earned multiple advanced degrees. She pursued Women’s Studies and Sociology and studied Social Change Movements as well as Counseling.

Friends from Smith remember singing and the Sound of Music marathon, and all the times we saw Miriam's beautiful smile and heard her laugh – a wicked laugh at times. (Michelle Laven)

Marie Manthe remembers the Campus Scream at stressful finals time: “I always thought I could scream pretty loudly, but Miriam screamed louder than anyone else I've ever met. She screamed as though she owned her stress and gloried in it even while she was trying to release it.” Miriam was active with Hillel and the LBA on campus as well as other activities. She devoured and savored books, often reading them multiple times.

In her twenties, Miriam lived and worked in Philadelphia at Pew Charitable Trusts. A friend from those days remembers: “Miriam made a special effort to come to my wedding even though it was in the Boston area. I still have the stained glass mezuzah she made for my husband and me as a wedding present. We hadn't seen each other since she was at Columbia.” (Lauren Goldberg)

After a time studying at Columbia and teaching, she made the move to Seattle, where she started fresh. She put down roots there, welcomed by friends, especially Michelle Bruno, and was soon joined by sister and mom. The beauty of the Pacific Northwest, its waters and parks and air were renewing for Miriam, who had also known illness and struggle throughout her journey.

Above all else, Miriam valued her clan, her family, her tribe…It wasn’t long before Miriam and Karen met and fell in love. They married in West Seattle at a beautiful outdoor ceremony that blended Native and Jewish traditions. We had never seen them dressed so elegantly and glowing with such beauty. They gave the gifts to the guests at their wedding! Surrounded by love, the family grew as Ariella joined the circle. Miriam lived to see her family and marriage legally recognized.

Miriam was drawn to tradition, tending to ceremony and community by hosting countless Passover seder meals and sweat lodges. Last year she completed her fourth year sundancing with dear friends from North Dakota. As an adult, she studied Hebrew and celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at a queer schul; a more beautiful soprano voice was never heard singing prayers at Shabbat services. Mir Plemmons remembers, “I was working for Service Alternatives when we had a visitation center at DSHS. One day I come in between pickups, drop offs and observations and Miriam is drumming outside the downstairs door with several others. She remembered me…it was just good knowing she was there, that her drum was there, that made me feel a bit less alone sometimes.” She also officiated at her sister’s wedding to Ian Crosby, planning out a thoughtful ceremony in the Jewish tradition and in the process earning the title “the high priestess.” (Ian Crosby)

Personally and professionally, she devoted her intellect, wisdom and tenacity to champion justice and the vulnerable in our world. “Miriam quietly and persistently fought the good fight to make the world a better place for others.” (Susan D. Phillips)

As her career evolved, Miriam worked on the systemic policy level as well as with individuals and families in need of support and healing. Yali Lincroft remembers, “I was thrilled to find such a knowledgeable, compassionate person inside government. Miriam was a smart policy wonk with practical solutions to tough problems.” “She was someone who always knew the world could be a healthier, more just place if we all worked for it. The world is a better place for her having been in it.” (Katie Heidere)

As a mother and spouse, Miriam brought playfulness, a way with crafts and beadwork, and love of reading to her family. She baked hamentaschen from scratch and supported Ariella in ballet and encouraged her curiosity about science and the natural world. Together they made a home in Burien south of Seattle.

“Miriam had such a beautiful light, and her love and care for her family shined bright.” (Jamie Merriman-Cohen) Her memory will live on as a courageous, inspiring woman working hard for equality.” (Michele Guannel) And may her memory be as a blessing.

Donations in her memory may be made to Kol HaNeshamah Synagogue. http://www.kol-haneshamah.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10&Itemid=10

In addition, the family will identify a second organization that aids children in the coming weeks.