Mildred Blumenfeld

COLUMBUS - We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mildred Blumenfeld on December 12th, 2022. Mildred was born on January 12th, 1924 to Joseph and Sarah Phillips of Canton OH. She graduated Timken high school and then took classes at the University of Akron in accounting. She also spent time during her early years as a young nurse’s aide during World War II. She met the love of her life at a cousin’s wedding in Cleveland, OH, Theodore, of blessed memory. They were married in Canton, Ohio on June 12th,1955 and remained inseparable for 66 years until his death on May 7th, 2022. Together they started a family and opened Fields shoe stores in Ashtabula, OH where she served as the bookkeeper and advisor. After a couple of years they would move West but eventually back to Akron, Ohio to be closer to family in the 1970s. Finally in 1983 they moved to Columbus where they would remain. Several years after the birth of their third child, Lee Scott, born in 1962 motivated by her son’s developmental disabilities and the inadequate environment and services for individuals with developmental disabilities, Mildred became a true trailblazer and advocate for those with developmental disabilities at a time when it was unpopular. A true woman of action forging change with her impeccable motivational and leadership skills, she worked tirelessly to improve the culture and living conditions in our communities. The accomplishments are too numerous to list but were felt by all. She and Ted, with their expertise, insight and unique perspective, became invited speakers to educational seminars at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center. In 2018 she received the STAR award by FCBDD. She was a true leader and role model for many. Mildred’s leadership and volunteer roles include: President of the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities; President of ARC industries; President of Tifereth Israel Sisterhood; board member of the Columbus JCC, Wexner Heritage House Auxiliary, Friends of Shalom House; an active volunteer with her local chapter of Hadassah, and the JCC Book Fair. She was an integral part of the development and building of Shalom House. She loved being part of her community and enjoyed taking an active role in improving the lives of others. Most of all, Mildred was the centerpiece of her family. She was an incredible wife and mother and a special role model for her grandchildren. Mildred is preceded in her death by her parents, Joseph and Sarah as well as her seven siblings and her beloved husband, Ted. She is survived by daughter Judy (Isaac) Lieber and their son Elan (Gabi); son Michael (Sarah) Blumenfeld and their three daughters Hannah, Zahava and Tovah; and her other beloved and special son Lee Scott Blumenfeld; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, December 13th, 2022 at New Tifereth Israel Cemetery. Donations in Mildred’s memory may be made to the following: Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Torat Emet Synagogue at www.toratemet.org, Hadassah at www.hadassah.org/donate or Jewish Columbus at jewishcolumbus.org/donate Online guest book at www.epsteinmemorial.com