From the Alumni Office: Beth Kahn '74

The Greenhill Alumni Office is sad to share the passing of Beth Frankfurt Kahn '74.

 

"Beth Frankfurt Kahn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully January 17, 2016 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

 

Beth was born on November 1, 1955 in Dallas, Texas to Ethel & David Frankfurt, just moments before her identical twin, Barbara.

A lifelong resident of Dallas, she graduated from Greenhill School in 1974 and earned a BS Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Texas at Austin, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Beth married the love of her life, Gary Kahn, in August of 1979. Their 42 year relationship was built on love, devotion, mutual respect and trust.

 

Certified as an Academic Language Therapist, soon after graduation, Beth commenced a career in education that would span over 35 years. In 1978, she joined the faculty at the June Shelton School, working with children with learning differences. She had a remarkable gift for focusing on the whole child, as demonstrated in the classroom and as a private tutor, primarily at St. Mark's. Beth's extraordinary patience and kindness enabled her to forge deep, long lasting relationships with both students and colleagues.

 

What made Beth exceptional was her ability to instill confidence in her students and inspire them to reach their full potential. Drawing upon her experiences, she co-authored a book, A Guide to Dallas Learning Specialists, in 1993. Beth was deeply committed to the community and truly enjoyed giving to others. Beth cherished her time working with the Community Homes for Adults (CHAI) and Temple Emanu-El. For all of her many acts of kindness, she never sought any recognition but rather deferred credit to others. Blessed with a beautiful smile and a charismatic personality, Beth had an uncommon ability to connect with people and make them feel special. She was blessed to have a number of extraordinary friendships, many of which dated back to her early childhood.

Known for her warm hugs, Beth had a huge heart and took great pleasure in the accomplishments of others. She was a loyal, compassionate friend who was always available to listen without judging. Beth loved the outdoors and long walks, often savoring the sunshine with the family Beagle(s) in tow (Sport, Champ, Katy, Ollie).

 

To Beth, there was nothing more important than family. Her two children, Lauren and Michael, were her greatest source of pride, love and joy. Beth and Gary raised their children to develop core values and principles (Roots) and build confidence to chase their dreams (Wings). In 2014, Beth and Gary walked both of their children down the aisle and welcomed two new children into the family, Alex and David.

 

One of Beth's happiest moments was holding her first grandchild, William, nine months ago. Nothing brought a bigger smile to "BeBe's" face than spending time with her family. Beth led by example, living a life of meaning and purpose celebrating small victories and treasuring the simple pleasures. Every day is a gift. Her family was hers.

 

Beth was pre-deceased by her father, David Frankfurt, and father-in-law, Alan Kahn.
She is survived by her husband, Gary, her children, Lauren '02 & David Rosenbloom and Alex & Michael Kahn '04, her grandson William Linz Kahn, her mother, Ethel Zale, her mother-in-law, Rita Kahn, her siblings, Debbie & Alan Frankfurt, Barbara '74 & Howard Glick, Dena & Eric Frankfurt, Jennifer '82 & Brad Greenblum and brother & sisterin-law Rick & Mitzi Kahn. She is also survived by 9 nephews and 6 nieces.

Our family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to the amazing medical team at UT Southwestern.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Emanu-El, Our Temple Our Future, for the naming of the Beth F. Kahn Roots & Wings Classroom, 8500 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas, Tx. 75225 or the Beth F. Kahn Roots & Wings Fund for Brain Cancer Research, Southwestern Medical Foundation, Parkland Hall at Old Parkland, 3889 Maple Ave., Suite 100, Dallas, Tx. 75219."

A memorial service will be held in the Olan Sanctuary at Temple Emanu-El on Tuesday January 19, 2016 at 4:00 pm, followed by a reception.

 

 

To read more, visit THIS LINK.

Please forward this to your alumni connections.

 

This email was sent to members of the following classes for whom we have valid email addresses: classes of 1973(20 emails), 1974 (40 emails) and 1975 (33 emails).

Anyone who did not receive the message directly is welcome to send their email for future communications.