Arlene Goldsmith

Arlene Goldsmith (nee Bernstein), passed away on September 15, 2022. Loving wife of the late James; Proud mother to Thomas (Alice) Goldsmith and Lee Goldsmith; Adoring grandmother to Benjamin, Lauren and Daryn Goldsmith. Preceded in death by husband James, parents Rose and Rubin, and stepson Matthew.

Beloved by family and friends alike for her loyalty, perseverance and fierce spirit, Arlene was a proud Temple University alumna and lifelong Philadelphia area native. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Arlene’s life was shaped by an extraordinary career as an educator, the majority spent at John Moffet Elementary School in Fishtown/Olde Kensington – a career through which she impacted thousands of children, mentored countless fellow teachers, and forged many enduring friendships.

Known for her trademark hairstyle and impeccable fashion sense, Arlene marked special occasions for friends by constructing and presenting them with original poems. She enjoyed hosting holiday dinners and summer barbeques, holding long “catch up” conversations on the phone with old colleagues, and simple things in the time between – Barbra Streisand songs on the car stereo, guilty pleasures like Big Brother and Survivor on television, and two Philly classics (Herr’s Original Potato Chips and Tastykake Jelly Krimpets) in the kitchen when impromptu snacking was called for.

Above all, Arlene’s priority was family – she loved and cared for her husband Jim through celebrations and challenges, was deeply proud of sons Tom and Lee and daughter-in-law Alice, and cherished each moment spent with grandchildren Ben, Lauren and Daryn.

In lieu of cards and flowers, donations in Arlene’s memory may be made to The Fund for The School District of Philadelphia (thefundsdp.org), or the American Stroke Association (stroke.org).

Relatives and friends are invited to Graveside Services, Monday September 19th at 12:00 pm precisely, at Montefiore Cemetery (Sec Y), Jenkintown, PA.