Saundra Beilin

Saundra Beilin (1950-2019) Daughter, sister, good friend, Saundra Beilin completed her journey May 23 in serenity and in an aura of love sent to her from all who knew her well.  Born in Brooklyn to Rosa and Benjamin (“Ta”) Beilin, both survivors of the Holocaust and refugee immigrants, she was a thoughtful and happy child who enjoyed learning, drawing, singing and performing. Upon Rosa’s death, the family moved to Philadelphia. Saundra took on much of the caring responsibilities for Ta and her two brothers. She became the mother in the family, an impossible and unfair role thrust upon a child so young. After graduating Overbrook High School, Saundra left the family’s small row home for the glamour of New York City where she worked for many years as a highly-accomplished fashion illustrator. During this time she travelled extensively to Europe and Asia. The friends she made in New York remained faithful to her long after she moved back to Philadelphia. Saundra was meticulous in all matters big and small.  Her exquisite sense of style is reflected in her artwork, apartment furnishings, and wardrobe. Saundra was known to complain on occasion, often in the Yiddish she spoke as a child. But she faced her terminal illness with a resolute calmness and extraordinary bravery.  She will be missed, and the memory of our feisty “Blondie” will long endure. Saundra Beilin is survived by her two brother, Marty and Irv Beilin, her wonderful nieces, Lauren and Caren Beilin, and nephews, Jordan and Josh Belin, and Lauren’s two boys, Santi and Ezra. Donations in Saundra’s name can be made to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum (ushmm.org), a cancer organization of your choosing, or the American Heart Association.