Theodora (Toby) Blume, of Trotwood, died of emphysema July 1 after nearly a lifetime of smoking cigarettes (the “low tar and nicotine” kind, because they claimed to be healthier). Mrs. Blume was a New York girl. After her childhood in the Bronx, she married and spent several decades in Schenectady. Forty years ago, she relocated to Trotwood, where she “found every Jew in Dayton,” creating an extended network of lifelong friends. Mrs. Blume was devoted to Alan, her beloved husband of almost 55 years (predeceased), and to gardening, cooking, baking, big band dancing, cruises, and all fauna and flora. She volunteered for Covenant House (when it was Covenant House), Planned Parenthood, and as a pet therapy human assistant. She was quite assertively political. She proudly displayed her “Martin Luther King Jr.” membership card to anyone whom she thought would be impressed. After her initial shock and horror, she became a proud and vocal Parent of Lesbians and Gays. She was vociferous and rabid in her support of every Democrat that ever was, is, or would be, even when they acted like Republicans. She redecorated her house, inside and out, in Obama’s honor. One can only imagine what she was planning for Hillary. Mrs. Blume is survived by her daughter, Sue, and the “village” of friends, caregivers, and service providers without whose generosity, sacrifice, and efforts she could never have done it “her” way. Donations may be made to SICSA, 2600 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH, where her adored and adoring cat Anna has been returned and now sadly awaits her new forever home.

Stewart I. Lipp, age 80 of Troy, passed away peacefully on Aug. 7 at his home. He was born on Jan. 11, 1934 in Cincinnati to the late Joseph and Anne (Gerson) Lipp. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn Saidleman Lipp, three daughters and a son-in-law: Lori Lipp of Cincinnati, Wendy Lipp of Vandalia, and Amy and Morris Maslia of Atlanta; six grandchildren: Jared Goldwasser, Blayne Goldwasser, Brendon Goldwasser, Adam Maslia, Aaron Maslia and Zachary Maslia; sister, Carolyn Lipp Auerbach of Denver; brother Martin Lipp of Indianapolis; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Annette and Gary Goodman of Atlanta, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Lipp was the proprietor of David’s Shoe Store in Troy for 58 years. He loved Troy and was active in many civic and business organizations. Interment was at Beth Jacob Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Miami County or the American Heart Association.

Leonard M. Solganik, age 86 of Washington Township passed away Aug. 1 at Lincoln Park Manor. Mr. Solganik was born Oct. 30, 1927 in Chicago to Harry and Dora (Fastoff) Solganik. He loved his family the most, including his wife of 64 years, Lois June (Lotney) Solganik; his three children, Howard Solganik and his wife Leslie, Carin Solganik and her partner Tom Silverii, David Solganik and his partner Jamie Balzer; his grandchildren, Adam (deceased), Lindsey, Danny, Benjamin, and Michael; and his great-grandson, Noam. Mr. Solganik is also survived by his brother, Marvin (Judy) Solganik and his sister Vivian Solganik and many great friends. Born to immigrant parents, Mr. Solganik grew up in Cleveland in a close-knit family. His father passed away at a young age and as the oldest child, Mr. Solganik learned many life lessons early. Along with his regular studies he learned the violin and loved classical music. Mr. Solganik attended The Ohio State University and was a member of Phi Sigma Delta Fraternity. He served in the Army and then met and married Lois June Lotney. His business career was spent entirely with NCR (40 years). He started in accounting machine sales. He was one of the first at NCR to learn about computers and data systems. He retired in 1992 as an assistant vice president of Latin American sales and service. Mr. Solganik was an enthusiastic gardener and received his Master Gardening Certificate in 1996. His most recent achievement and passion was for bridge; he became a Life Master in 2014 with his partner Bill Wild. Mr. Solganik’s entire immediate family were founding members of Temple Beth Or. Mr. Solganik will be remembered for his sense of humor, his intellect, his love of a good debate, his compassion for everyone he knew and his love of good food, particularly his wife’s cooking. He traveled the world for both business and pleasure with Mrs. Solganik. A special thank-you to Lincoln Park Manor and Kettering Hospitals for the wonderful care they provide. A special thank you to Addie for her vigilance and compassion. Interment was at David’s Cemetery. Memorial donations and contributions may be made to Temple Beth Or.

To read the complete September 2014 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.