In Memoriam (1953-2021)
Beth Blackman, our beloved friend and colleague, passed away on January 18, 2021, after a valiant fight with cancer. Beth waged her battle with steadfast determination for over a year, surrounded by a circle of loving friends and family. While she realized early on that this was not a war she would ultimately win, her will to live as long as she possibly could never faltered.
Beth was a longtime employee of Hebrew Free Loan, working here for more than 36 years. Her father, Cantor Julius Blackman, served as our Executive Director for 27 years from 1963-1990, and Beth came on board in 1984. She held various titles over the years, serving most recently as our Finance Associate/Loan Officer. Beth managed our finances, but she did so much more.
One of her favorite responsibilities was interviewing loan applicants. Indeed, during this past year, Beth continued to meet with clients over Zoom even during her hospital stays. Over the years, Beth worked with hundreds of clients. She was kind, loyal, and generous, and she guided people through the loan process with compassion and understanding.
Outside of work, Beth loved spending time with close friends and her extended family. She was a caregiver par excellence, assisting her mother, Phyllis Blackman, before she passed in 2007, and then turning her attention to her father, Julius Blackman, until he passed in 2019. Her unselfish devotion to her parents was remarkable and inspirational.
Beth loved to watch both baseball and basketball, and was an ardent fan of the SF Giants and the Golden State Warriors. She was politically aware and engaged until the end, and she also loved the game show Jeopardy. Last week she was able to watch Ken Jennings (her all-time favorite contestant) serve as guest host on the show.
In addition to her multitude of fans, Beth is survived by her sister Ellen Blackman of Culver City, CA and her brother Paul Blackman of Arlington, VA. Donations can be made in Beth’s memory to the Cantor Julius and Phyllis Blackman and Beth Amy Blackman Fund at Hebrew Free Loan.
Beth was a gute neshama (good soul), and her memory will be for a blessing — now and forever.
