Edythe Beldengreen

Like the spelling of her name, Edythe was a most unique person. Devoted daughter of Louis and Belle Epstein, she grew up in Brooklyn, NY and attended Girls High. It was in Brooklyn that she established a group of lifelong friends. It was also there that she met and married the love of her life Harry Beldengreen. Together they had two daughters, Rhonda and Claudia. They moved to Bronx, NY where as new parents they expanded their social network and both worked to provide for their family. Edythe was a caring mother who was thrust into a life as a single parent and provider prematurely. She persevered and managed to put aside her profound grief and fears to support her two daughters, who always reigned first and foremost.

Edythe fully embraced Gary, Rhonda's husband and both Rhonda and Gary went over and beyond in supporting and caring for Edythe. Susan, Claudia's wife, was also loved by Edythe as she joined them on many vacations and in celebrating many milestones.

But as much as she loved all of us, nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her face always lit up when any of them called or visited and it was the the topic of conversation for the days following. Edythe had the most special and wonderful of years watching and celebrating her eldest grandchildren, Jefferey, Jason and David. And although she was much older and lived further away when Ethan and Brandon were born, they to developed a special and loving relationship. Edythe proudly displayed photos of all the family, managed to drive and fly wherever she needed to be part of birthdays, graduations and special events. Visits and telephone conversations with all her grandchildren brought her bragging rights to her neighbors and friends. There was no end to Edythe's ability to love and hold people close as she continued to prove by the joy she held for her great grandchildren, Samantha, Zachary, Korah, Rivkah and Aryeh.

In her young years Edythe enjoyed traveling to many exotic parts of the world with her friends. She was always ready for Lindy or Macarena, a game of Mah Jong, canasta or rummikub. In later years even when tired, her feistiness would emerge during these games where she would become impatient if you played too slowly or made a bad play. Although not an especially good cook she loved making her zucchini quiche the moment she heard of any of her grandchildren were coming to visit.

Edythe's life was not grand or flashy, but it was rich with her love and caring for her family and friends. Although she was fortunate to have 98 years in good health, it was far from enough and we will be carrying a piece of her in us forever.

Thank you for so many memories and your teaching us to be better people.

Donations in Edythe's memory can be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County