Most of you who know me recognize that I am an adherent as watch me do and make the world better one step at a time. (The rule is to take one step forward all the time, even though you won’t finish it today. That’s Tikun Olam.)
Well, one of the living proponents of this philosophy (until Saturday, March 25, 20230 was Mollie Bass Abraham. we lost Mollie Bass Abraham. Mollie passed away, surrounded by her family and friends that day. Born in Baltimore, MD on June 2, 1926, she relocated to Alexandria, VA with her newly-wed husband in 1949.
Mollie became actively involved in politics and various other causes, in addition to actively supporting her children’s efforts in school and their extracurricular activities. That was back when Virginia was segregated and part of the wrong wing Byrd machine.
Mollie didn’t shirk from attacking racial segregation, advocating for the equal rights amendment; Mollie was always at the frontlines.
Founding the Alexandria chapter of the National Organization for Women (she served as the Virginia state coordinator). She was Chair of the Commission for Women for two terms, advocating equal pay and retirement benefits. Awarded the Marguerite Payez Leadership Award (2001), the highest honor of the Commission for Women’s Salute to Women Award, for life-long dedication to leading, advocating and helping women and others. In 2011, Mollie was named a “Living Legend” of Alexandria, acknowledging her significant contributions to the quality of life in Alexandria. Mollie was an active member of the City’s Democratic Committee and for many years was a poll worker. She served as president of the Brookville-Seminary Valley Civic Association and supported her synagogue, Agudas Achim, located in Alexandria, serving two terms as president of the Sisterhood and establishing a “teen club” during her children’s teenage years. She also advocated for Common Cause, an organization with an innovative, pragmatic, and comprehensive pro-democracy agenda.
She had 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 6 grand who were imbued with her philosophy.
The funeral at Agudas Achim Congregation, 2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA will be held today at 2 p.m. Shiva will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Monday, with evening minyan.
Donations in her honor can be made to Agudas Achim Congregation or to the Feminist Majority Foundation.
May her memory always bring a smile to our lips.
She will be missed by many – a successful life.
I’m with you.
She sounds like she had an amazing life. I’m so sorry for your loss. May her memory be for a blessing.