Selma Pearl "Meemie" Baumgard

Selma Baumgard passed away after 87 years of a glorious life on February 1,2012. Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was a musically gifted woman who played piano and directed the Temple choir for many years. As the wife of a rabbi she worked closely with her husband to create beautiful and spiritual services for Temple Beth Am. Some of her choir members went on to perform with the Metropolitan Opera. She organized an interfaith and interracial choir program with many congregational choirs participating. At the end of the program all the choirs sang together. Such inspirational programming was a feature of her creativity. Predeceased by her brother Dr. William Geller, she is survived by her husband Rabbi Herbert Baumgard, brother Dr. Lou (Mona) Geller, sister-in-law Alex Geller, children Dr. Jonathan (Wendy) Baumgard, Shira (Fred) Garvett, and Daniel (Lori) Baumgard. She is also survived by her grandchildren who called her Meemie and loved her dearly, Jason, Dara (Chris), Jeremy, Ari, Joshua, and Michelle, and her great-grandchildren, Nathan and Noah, who brought her great joy. Selma and Herb were happily married and best friends for 63 years. She was a beautiful and loving person and will be remembered by all who knew her. Funeral services will be held at Temple Beth Am on Sunday at 1 P.M. In lieu of flowers you may make a contribution to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.Arrangements under the direction of Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mount Nebo (Kendall), Miami, FL.