Born Gloria Baumgarten in Hillsdale, Michigan, she attended the University of Chicago where she met her future husband, Laurence (Laurie) Goldstein. They were married in 1949 and settled in University Heights, where she lived for the rest of her life. She received a master’s degree in education jointly from Kent State and Cleveland State University. She tutored students with learning disabilities at Roxboro Middle School, and after retiring continued to tutor students privately.
Gloria was known as an active and joyful participant in the civic, cultural and religious life of the community. She and Laurie were long-time subscribers to the Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Play House, and regularly attended and ushered at plays, concerts and other events at Playhouse Square theaters. In addition, Gloria served for a number of years as treasurer for Friends of the Cleveland Orchestra, where she also frequently ushered. She was an active participant in the Sisterhood of Park Synagogue, where she and Laurie were members. She was named University Heights Citizen of the Year in 2001.
Gloria’s love of music was also evidenced in her long-time participation in the Mothersingers singing group, and later the chorus of the Hermit Club. In addition, she was a member of multiple knitting clubs and often attended weekend retreats with them. She was an ardent supporter of Cleveland’s professional sports teams, particularly the Indians, rarely missing a televised game.
Throughout her married life Gloria was devoted to her family, which included her son and daughter and their spouses, her four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She made a point of attending their school and extra-curricular events whenever possible, even those that required out-of-town travel. (It was while attending her granddaughter’s graduation from the University of Cincinnati medical school that she became ill.) Her grandchildren called her “mah,” a nickname that other family members and close friends quickly adopted.
Gloria is survived by her son, David, of San Francisco (Julia); daughter Joan Bendix of Cleveland Height (Jeff); grandsons Peter Bendix of St. Petersburg, Florida and Abraham Goldstein (Alanna) of San Francisco; granddaughters Lia Bendix of Cleveland and Elianna Peak (Joshua) of Honolulu, Hawaii, and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Laurence and brother Howard Baumgarten Jeanne) of Mill Valley, California.
Services will be at Park Synagogue East in Pepper Pike Sunday, June 17 at 11 a.m. Visitors may call at 2432 White Road, University Heights from 1-5 p.m., and 4-7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Cleveland Orchestra, Park Synagogue, AFS, the Hermit Club, Playhouse Square or the University of Chicago.
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