Mira Lee Goldstein came from hearty pioneering stock. Perhaps that’s why she had that discerning look in her eye whenever she dropped by the offices of the IJN. Accompanied by her husband Henry Goldstein (wearing his ubiquitous cap), Mira Lee made sure the blurb going in the Shmoos Column was pitch-perfect. She wrote everything down on a small sheet of paper, which she handed to the reporter tentatively. “Are you sure you have what you need?” Mira Lee would ask, just in case. The information invariably concerned one of her children or grandchildren. It wasn’t just a piece of paper between her fingers — more like a rare flower. Mira Lee Goldstein, who passed away Feb. 7, knew what mattered in life.
Her Jewish family had a farm in South Dakota’s western prairie. Educated at excellent colleges, she earned a degree in social work. Mira Lee worked at Hull House in Chicago before moving to Denver, where she fell in love with Henry Goldstein. Henry passed away last year. We still miss him.
A proud Jewish woman, she taught first-grade Sunday school students at Temple Emanuel for more than 30 years.
Mira Lee became a tireless advocate for the Colorado Committee of Concern for Soviet Jewry in the 1970s. Working with a team of extremely dedicated women, she wrote letters to public officials, attended rallies, whatever was needed.
Mira Lee developed a profound interest in refusenik Abe Stolar, in part because he shared her mother’s maiden name. When Stolar was finally allowed to leave the Soviet Union, he ventured to Denver to thank her personally.
To describe Mira Lee as a character would be an understatement. Intelligent, sharp and astute, she moved through the world with a unique wit and goal-oriented expectations. Our thoughts go out to the family she treasured.
Mira Lee Goldstein left an impression on all who knew this fine lady. Her passing leaves a loss in style and cadence. We won’t forget her.
Copyright © 2017 by the Intermountain Jewish News
