Alma Cahn

 Alma Ide Cahn, a 64-year resident of Richland, was born in New York City on August 4, 1927, to Bess and David Ide. She died in Seattle on July 11, 2016.

Alma attended the Ethical Culture Fieldston School through grade 12 and then completed her undergraduate education at Bryn Mawr College. Alma moved to Richland in 1951 with her husband, Herbert, and their then two children, where she raised 5 children and was active in community life.

She was a life long learner and believed deeply in the value of public education, serving as a long time member of the Richland School Board.  She was committed to social justice and an informed electorate as evidenced by her many community activities and affiliations. She was an organizer for the Equal Rights Amendment, and, more recently, for Washington State’s Death with Dignity Act. She served as an active member of the League of Women Voters and the Democratic Party.

She was an entrepreneur who co-founded and ran her own business, Red Door Rentals, together with a long time neighbor and friend.

She contributed considerable time and energy to the enrichment of Richland’s Jewish community, Congregation Beth Shalom, where she participated in all of its activities.

She is survived by her sister, Hope Berman; her five children, Deborah, Thomas (Nancy), Douglas (Barbara Gaffin), Pamela (Robert Hsu), David, and great friend Mohan Sampath (Petra Schiffmann); her seven grandchildren, Joshua (Marrin), Miriam (Tai), Samuel, Elon, Sarah, Tamar, and Danielle; and two great grandchildren, Samaya and Lucy. She took great pride and interest in the lives of all her family.

Funeral services and interment will be held at Einan’s Funeral Home in Richland on Wednesday, July 13 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception at Events at Sunset.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Sholom, P.O. Box 761, Richland, WA 99352, or a charity of your choice.