Barbara Solomon Goldstein, 86

WOODLAND HILLS, CALIF. – Barbara Solomon Goldstein, of Woodland Hills, died after a short illness on Feb. 23, 2015. She moved from Cranston to Woodland Hills and worked for 20 years as a social worker for the Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles. After retiring in March 2012, she continued to work as a volunteer for the SOVA Community Food and Resource Center of Los Angeles.

Born on March 27, 1928 in Providence, daughter of Max Samuel Solomon and Norah (Cohen) Solomon and sister of the late Stanley Solomon.  She was married to the late Abraham Goldstein for 35 years, sharing a love of local politics as well as supporting Abe in his numerous campaigns. They raised six children: Glenn, Brian (Helene), Stuart (Lynn), Neal (Ana), Diane (Claire) and the late Rhonda Beth. Barbara enjoyed many happy occasions with her 10 grandchildren: Eric, Adam, Andrew, Ben, Douglas, Abbe, Ilana, Issy, Ronny and Tammy.  Barbara also enjoyed 19 years of companionship with the late Sidney Hirsohn.

She graduated from Hope High School in 1944 and from Pembroke College (Brown University) in 1948.  At Pembroke, she was an Elisha Benjamin Andrew Scholar and was admitted to both Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. She went on to receive her M.S. in Social Services, (MSW) from Boston University in 1951, and worked in the field of gerontology until her retirement at the age of 82.

Her love of adventure not only led her to a new life in California, but on trips around the country and around the world.  To celebrate her 80th birthday, she climbed Diamond Head Crater in Hawaii and got the T-shirt to prove it.

Contributions may be made to the Rhonda Beth Goldstein Scholarship Fund, 53 Bittersweet Lane, Wakefield, R.I. 02879 or SOVA Community Food and Resource Program, 16439 Vanowen Street Van Nuys, Calif. 91406.