GOLDIE (HARRISON) ARKIN

Born in Toronto, Canada June 16, 1924, the oldest daughter of Max and Freda Harrison, Goldie Arkin grew up in a thriving Jewish community with her sisters Betty and Lillian, and brother Sonny. She and her husband Norman were young kibbutzniks in the new state of Israel, living there for 2 years. They returned to Toronto in 1950 during her first pregnancy with Don, and moved to upstate NY, where Harvey (1952) and Anne were born (1955). The family then settled in Northbrook, IL for 15 years. When their children left home, they were amongst the early condo-dwellers at the John Hancock Building in downtown Chicago. There she lived a rich life until moving to Honolulu in 2011 to be near her granddaughter, Mala, and great grandchildren, Asha and Eli.
Goldie was an avid reader, and a lifetime learner. A self-educated supporter of the arts, she ushered at opera and theatre, and was a docent at Chicago museums. She was active in Jewish women’s organizations, did hospice visiting as well as rape victim accompaniment to hospital emergency rooms. She crewed on a friend’s sailboat in Chicago, and at age 80 she finally became a bat mitzvah. While in Hawai’i, she combined her love of arts and Jewish faith by helping organize the Honolulu Jewish Film Festival.
Goldie had a great zest for life and remarkable physical stamina; her dynamic style was matched by her sense of adventure and independence; she is remembered for always being willing to try something new.

Goldie passed on 1/18/18.
www.goldie-arkin.forevermissed.com