Toby Goldfinger

Toby was born on March 7, 1937 to Elsie and Jack Redlus in Newark, NJ. After graduating from Weequahic High School in 1954, Toby went on to study Social Work at Rutgers University. After graduation she landed her first job supporting residents of Newark’s largest housing projects.

It was at this time that she was introduced to the love of her life, David Goldfinger and they wed in 1959, going on to have three children, Ruth, Ronnie and Karen. When Ruth was born, the family moved to Cleveland and she decided to dedicate her life to being present in the home. Without a network of support in Cleveland, Toby built deep and lasting friendships that felt like family. In her spare time (!) Toby excelled in creating masterpieces of art, needlepoint, and pottery.

Always a force for change, Toby was an active volunteer in the Beachwood Schools serving as PTA co-President, the Beachwood Arts Council, and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Her thirst for knowledge was met when she achieved her Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from John Carroll University.

Toby had a passion for travel, whether with husband David, or solo travel on wildlife expeditions. Whether supporting her family or driving change through advocacy, she made it her mission to improve the world. We will miss her sparkling blue eyes, quick wit, and direct delivery.

Beloved wife of David Goldfinger; devoted mother of Ruth (John z''l) Marks of Deerfield, IL, Ronnie (Stacey) Goldfinger of Chicago, IL and Karen (David) Baker of Pepper Pike, OH; loving grandmother of Matthew Marks, Joseph Marks and Elizabeth Marks, Jacob (Mandi) Goldfinger and Rachel Goldfinger, Samuel Baker and Gabriel Baker; cherished great-grandmother of Oliver Steven Goldfinger; dear sister of Dorothy Redlus (deceased); dearly loved daughter of Jacob and Elsie Redlus (both deceased).

Funeral services for Toby will be held at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 12:00 PM.

To view this service at 12 PM Wednesday please navigate to the Services section below and click on "JOIN LIVESTREAM."

Burial will follow at Bet Olam Cemetery, 25796 Chagrin Blvd, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 at 1:00 PM.

The family will receive friends at the Goldfinger Residence, 4 Haverhill Ct., Beachwood, OH 44122 Wednesday from 3 - 5 PM and 7 - 9 PM, Thursday from 2 - 5 PM and 7 - 9 PM and Friday from 2 - 5 PM.

Contributions in memory of Toby are suggested to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, The Keys Jewish Community Center or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bkbmc.com for the Goldfinger family.