Memorial Notice: Mildred M Sigismund
08/31/2014 09:00:34 AM
Aug31
Mildred M Sigismund, grandmother of BK member Shira Gertz, died unexpectedly on August 18, 2014, at the age of 91. This was three years to the day after her beloved husband of 65 years, Mark, passed away.
She was born in the Philadelphia area, moved to the Bronx as a child, and then spent most of her adulthood in Philadelphia. She was a chemist who graduated from Hunter College in 1944 and spoke about finding jobs in the men's want ads. After getting married in 1946 she moved to Biloxi Mississippi. Her time as a newlywed and a new mother in the deep south was challenging for a Jewish New Yorker.
Her many small acts of rebellion long before the civil rights movement spoke of her deep commitment to equality. A woman of strong character, although soft spoken, made her voice known when it counted most. She was opinionated and could hold a grudge like none other. Her love of family and Judaism, her passions for travel and food, and her assuredness of purpose are examples to us all.
She is survived by her daughter Thea Gail & Dr. Steven M.Gertz, her granddaughters Dr. Shira J. Gertz & Kevin M Uribe and Amira R. Gertz and her great granddaughter Lilianna Sarah Uribe. Services and Shiva were held in Philadelphia.
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