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1930
2015
Suzanne Frank Goldsmith passed away peacefully on April 3rd, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 7, 1930 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Simon and Suzanne Seller Frank, she lived a life of dedicated service to the people of the Salt Lake community. Suzanne's capacity for empathy knew no bounds, and her love for collaboration with others wanting to heal and repair our world drove her life.
She instilled her uncommon poise and grace in her four children and nine grandchildren who filled her life with light and her heart with joy. In turn, Suzanne was the spiritual center and moral compass for her family. Deeply devoted to Lawrence Goldsmith, her loving husband of 62 years, the two formed a loving partnership that uplifted one another and everyone around them. She will forever remain a unifying force and inspiration.
From her earliest days Suzanne found opportunities to improve the lives of those in need. At the age of 13, she volunteered at Neighborhood House where she discovered her passion for helping underprivileged children. She later co-founded the Jewish Community Center's Nursery School. In the mid-1960's she worked with others to establish Salt Lake's first Head Start Program. These experiences seeded her life-long pursuit of justice, care and her drive to ensure the dignity of others. As a volunteer at Holy Cross Hospital she saw the need to advocate for patients caught between the hardship and uncertainty of illness and the complexity of navigating the medical system. She became the first Director of Patient Relations and developed one of the first Patients' Bill of Rights in the U.S.
Suzanne was born with a degenerative eye disease that ultimately robbed her of nearly all her sight, but never her vision. She founded the local chapter of the Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation and was a tireless volunteer with many organizations including Temple B'nai Israel Sisterhood, The Jewish Relief Society (now Jewish Family Service), Planned Parenthood, The McGillis School and Traveler's Aid Society. In her work with Traveler's Aid she helped develop the Road Home, Salt Lake's shelter for people facing homelessness. Her work there with Maun Alston and Matt Minkevitch was some of the most meaningful work in her career.
Suzanne never sought attention for her work, but was recognized for her constant service. She received the Norma Matheson Award for Contributions to the local nonprofit sector. Other awards included the Community Service Award from Catholic Community Service and The Jewish Family Service for Assistance to Jews in Need. In 2014, she was honored as an "Inspiring Woman" by Jewish Family Services.
Suzanne's grandparents, Arthur and Bertha Frank, immigrated to Utah in 1903. Along with her parents, they played a prominent role in building Salt Lake City. They operated a clothing store on Main Street called Arthur Frank, a fixture of downtown until the 1980's.
Suzanne is survived by her husband Larry, and her adoring children Stephen (Riva), Douglas (Denise), Ann (Mark Schwarz) and David (Kara DiOrio), and her grandchildren Ben (Talia), Sam, Max and Joe Goldsmith, Abby and Jesse Schwarz, Joshua and Elizabeth Goldsmith, and Chloe Jones.
The family expresses their profound thanks to her caregivers who were true angels, and kept her safe and assured her dignity: Amber Rasmussen, Veronica Afonso, Fabiana Andrade, Sasha Thompson, Lais Carvalho and Rocky Mountain Hospice.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6th at Evans and Early Mortuary, 574 East 1st South. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to The Children's Center, The Road Home, Planned Parenthood, The McGillis School, Moran Eye Center, or to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 22, 2015
Swantje
I am so grateful to have known Sue. She was so kind, giving, caring, compassionate. She was a gift to me and the world.
April 6, 2015
Howard Rindlisbacher
The Family of Hans Rindlisbacher( Sons Howard
Lorenz send their condolence to the Goldsmith Family. Hans our dad worked for Arthur Franks for many years.
April 6, 2015
Lisa Adams
What a pleasure it was to know Mrs. Goldsmith and be friends with her exceptional children. She was a marvelous example to all,but particularly to young women. I send my condolences to each of you.
Fondly,
Lisa Ramsey Adams
April 6, 2015
Barb Haskayne
I am blessed to have known you. You were an amazing women who made me laugh, cry and think. I am holding all the amazing Goldsmith family in my heart during this time while you grieve the loss of your matriarch. You will be deeply missed.
April 6, 2015
Dinny Thayne Trabert
How glad I was to be able to see meet your amazing mother at the tribute for Inspiring Women put on by Jewish Family Services a year or so ago! She was quite an example of service and grace. It was nice to see Ann after all the years and visit with Steven. Please know that I'm thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
April 6, 2015
Stephen Owens
All our love to you. What an amazing life. Steve Owens (son of Wayne Owens)
April 6, 2015
Jennifer Figueroa
Our condolences to the Goldsmith Family. It was an honor to be involved in your mothers care. She will be truly missed, so touched many lives.
Jennifer Figueroa - Right At Home
April 5, 2015
Cindy Gordon
What a huge loss for so many. I will always fondly remember visiting Suzanne and Larry in recent years and having Suzanne welcome me in like I was one of her own. What an inspiring woman, who despite such great physical challenges made the most of every day. Much love to the whole family.
April 5, 2015
Norm Allred
Doug, Denise, and all your family-
I was saddened today to read of your mother's death. She was surely a woman of great strength, courage, and kind love. Her record of advocacy is a legacy to our city. I'm keeping you close in thought and prayer; May God bless her with peace and you with His comfort at this parting.
April 5, 2015
William & Joy Weinbaum
Our thoughts are with you in remembering an incredible person and matriarch of a special family. We hope that wonderful memories and a legacy of generosity and caring will always be a comfort and blessing.
With fond wishes and hugs,
The Weinbaums
April 5, 2015
steve gordon
"Aunt" Sue was a second mother to the Gordon children and I cherish the memories of the many get-togethers with Suzanne and the Goldsmith Family. She was always welcoming, giving, intelligent and funny-- a bright light for all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones.
April 5, 2015
Rosanne and Bob Gordon
It is with great sadness over the loss of our dear friend, Suzanne, that we try to accept that the time had come and Suzanne was ready to leave us.
Our families grew up together, and the bond between us made for some very happy times.
To all the Goldsmiths, we send our deepest sympathy and love.
April 5, 2015
Gloria Frank
Sending the Goldsmith family my sincere condolences in the passing of Sue Frank Goldsmith. Such an inspiration in this world.... for all the goodness and love she bestowed upon her family and in helping others all of her life. Sending much love to you all, Gloria Frank
April 5, 2015
I first knew Sue when I was 10 years old. Later, and forever, she and my daughter Carey Ellen Smith were very close, as Carey was with David. What an exemplary family! My condolences to all.
Patty Sargeant~Logan
April 5, 2015
Anne Holman
One of our very favorite customers at The King's English. Suzanne was such a smart and interesting woman. Love and light to all of the Goldsmith family.
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