Rachel Blossom Spellman

Obituary Rachel Spellman Rachel Spellman, also known as Blossom, Mom, and in her later years to everyone as just "Bubbie," lost her battle with Alzheimer's and complications due to pneumonia on March 22, 2012. Born in Portland, Oregon on May 11, 1924 to Sarah and Michael Hodes, she received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Southern California. A lifelong singer and admirer of opera and Broadway show tunes, she married Jerry Spellman, who shared her love of music, travel, golf, and politics. They were ardent supporters of Israel and leaders at Temple Beth El in Tacoma, Washington where she sang in the choir. They were also passionate advocates for social justice. Bubbie was generous with her family. She took her whole family on cruises to celebrate several of her birthdays, and ensured that all of her grandchildren could go to college. Bubbie worked for many years as a travel agent. She and Jerry traveled throughout the world. On her 75th birthday, she made the local papers after traveling hundreds of miles on a bicycle along the Danube with her devoted companion Bailey Neider. Jerry, her husband of almost 40 years, preceded her in death on November 11, 1986. She is survived by her three daughters, Lin Spellman (Jim Friedman) of Gig Harbor, Maxene Spellman (Neal Fishman) of Petaluma, California, Nina Geiger (Ed) of Seattle; and six grandchildren: Micah Spellman of New York City; Jeremy Friedman and his wife Ilana, of Chicago; Sam Fishman of Berkeley, California; and Jessica Fishman, Molly Geiger, and Zoe Geiger all of Seattle. She is also survived by her brother Stan Hodes and his wife Shirley of Portland, Oregon. Graveside Services will be held at the Home of Peace Cemetery, 5421 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, Washington, at 3PM on Sunday, March 25, 2012. Donations in Bubbie's memory may be directed to Temple Beth El.