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DIANA (GALANTE) GOLDEN
February 7, 1922 ~ September 22, 2013
~ Holocaust Survivor ~
Our beloved and courageous mother, Diana Golden, passed away on September 22, 2013, at the age of 91. She was born Diana Galante on February 7, 1922, on the beautiful Island of Rhodes, in the Agean Sea. She was the third of five children born to Rahamin and Lea Galante. As a teenager, Diana moved in with and cared for her maternal grandmother and blind aunt. In school, she learned to speak Italian, French, Spanish, and Hebrew.
Life for the Jews of Rhodes changed drastically in July, 1944 when Musolini invited the Nazi 3rd Reich to occupy Rhodes. All of the Island's Jews were told to leave their homes and belongings behind and go to the sea port. They were crowded into the holds of cargo ships and endured the long and sickening voyage to Pareaus, Greece. They were next trucked to Athens, squeezed in rail boxcars, and endured a horrific 28-day journey to Auschwitz extermination camp in Poland, arriving on August 16. Her father, like many others, did not survive the journey. Diana described life at the Auschwitz as "hell 24 hours a day. We were not a person, we were a number" .
In October, 1944, Diana and other prisoners, in very weakened state, were taken on a forced march to a work camp in Germany where she was put to work in a factory making munitions. In April, 1945, the camp was liberated by the Soviet army. Diana (along with two surviving sisters) were transported by the Red Cross to Prague, Hungary, then to Austria, and Italy, eventually ending up in Tangier, reuniting with other family members.
In 1948, sponsored by relatives, Diana moved to Los Angeles, and found employment in a shirt factory, going to night school to learn English. The next year she visited relatives in Seattle, liking it so much that she moved there. I. Magnin, the high-end department store, hired her as a stock clerk, then selling gloves. Her tall stature, and beautiful Mediterranean looks soon landed her a promotion modeling and selling designer clothes at the store.
Diana Galante met musician Kenneth Golden on a blind date, arranged by her Seattle relatives. Ken's mother, Ella, practically insisted that Ken marry Diana- that she would be a very good wife for him. But Ken was going to school and didn't have much money. Ella convinced him that two can live a cheaply as one, so on June 15,1952 they married. They moved to Portland where Kenneth studied music at Lewis and Clark College. Diana became a proud American citizen in 1953. They lived in Portland until 1973, then moved to Vancouver, WA, where Ken owned the American Music Company. They raised two daughters, and Diana became involved with many organizations including Hadassah, American Cancer Society, and the PTA. In 1973, after reading about a Holocaust denier, she decided to go public with her experiences in the Holocaust. She said in an interview, "I am not a martyr, I did not achieve anything. I was just a product of that time, but I am not going to remain silent." Over the years, Diana touched thousands of people around the world with her personal story and her positive outlook on life. In particular, she loved speaking to school children. She kept for years every single thank you card and letter she received, and there were hundreds of them.
Diana had an amazing journey;
a life filled with love, strength, courage,
inspiration and faith. "I owe everything to God".
Steven Spielberg's Shoah Foundation interviewed Diana in 1997 and her full testimony of her experiences in the holocaust are available for viewing at:
http://sfi.usc.edu/. and also on YouTube
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3nbrXutUbk).
Her story is also archived in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC.
Diana is survived by her daughters, Estelle and Elaine; son-in-law, Howard Brannon; grandchildren, Jackson and Connor Brannon; sister, Felicia (Ralph) Caldes; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by Kenneth, her husband of 57 years; sisters, Jeanette and Rachel; brothers, Sol and Baruch.
Funeral services will be held on Wed., Sept. 25, 2013, 11:30 a.m. at Ahavai Shalom Cemetery, 9323 SW First, Portland, OR 97219. The family will have a gathering afterwards, to be announced at the service.
Remembrances to: Oregon Holocaust Resource Center/Endowment Fund.
Please sign her guestbook at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thank you for everything you have done
Cy Mendoza
Other
April 15, 2022
I'm so deeply moved by your mother. I happened on her while listening to survivor's stories - delighted to hear she was from Rhodes, as were my grandparents. They moved to Seattle the year your mother was born. I've long wondered what truly happened during the war to the Jews on the island. I'm very grateful to hear a first hand account.
Your mother appears so graceful, wise, warm and courageous in the video. Wish I'd known her. All the best to your family - Cynthia in Seattle
April 28, 2014
I just viewed Mrs. Golden's video of her life in Rhodes and growing up there before the war. What a lovely and charming woman. My maternal grandparents (Matilda & Moreno Benveniste) were born there, but left in the late 1930's for Atlanta. We spent a week in Rhodes summer of 2012 and it brought to life everything we saw. So very sorry to hear about her passing.
Edith Krainin Clark
November 26, 2013
I did not know Diana but just listened to her story from the Jewish Survivor Testimony. What an incredible woman. She told her story with love, humor, pain. My family is also from Rhodes but immigrated before and after WWI. Thank you for sharing your Mother. May her memory be forever a blessing.
Joy Rousso
November 24, 2013
What a beautiful woman inside and out! I know she will be missed by so many. Her love, courage, strength of character and legacy will live on with honor in her daughters.
Lori Summers
November 6, 2013
I did not know Diana but I just happened to watch her story on youtube. I found it to be fascinating and riveting. She seemed so lovely and brilliant and so eloquent. My mother was also in Auschwitz in the summer of 1944. So many of Diana's experiences in that horrible place resonated with me since my mother told me much of what she endured there. After watching the video I googled her name and that's how I came upon the obituary. I'm so sorry for your loss. She seemed like an amazing woman. I hope she is reunited with those she lost so long ago
Peter Darvas
October 19, 2013
Such a beautiful, loving lady. I am so happy to have met her. Her legacy lives on in her daughters, family and friends.
Leslie Marining
October 4, 2013
i was fornatate to know diana for 27 years through her dauther estelle she was a beautiful, strong and courages women who welcome me into her home and heart
what a wonderful memorial for a very special elegant women
i am so happy to have knowed diana
i will miss and remember her always especially her stories
kathy stinsman
September 30, 2013
Diana was one of the most gracious people I've ever met; a lovely woman. She and your dad were wonderful neighbors to my parents. I am sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family.
Jan French
September 29, 2013
I loved conversing with Diana when we met at social events because she inspired and uplifted with her optimism,good humor and strength. She was a role model and I miss seeing her.
lorraine widman
September 29, 2013
I was fortunate to attend Diana Golden's memorial service. Along with reading her obituary I realized and was moved by Diana's life.
She seemed to have been able to live a life of love and passion despite her early tragedies.
This line came to me during this Memorial service. I feel there is a poem in here. But, these three words, to me, seems to define Diana Golden: Wise Woman Young
I feel fortunate for having known Diana through her daughter, Estelle.
Michelle Suffian
September 28, 2013
Our love to the family. Diana and Kenny were good friends of our parents, Max and Tess Kessler and I personally had many lovely memories of both Kenny and Diana. I hope that Diana's story never dies. What she and millions of Jews endured is both tragic and inspiring and that Diana had such a wonderful life following this hell, is a miracle we all celebrate. May you find joy in the stories you tell of your mother and grandmother.
Barbara Jean Kessler Simon
Gig Harbor WA
September 28, 2013
I viewed her youTube video. She was amazing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3nbrXutUbk
I am sorry for your loss and pray you remember all the good times and find comfort in them.
Kelly Haynes
September 26, 2013
I am so thankful I was able to attend the funeral today...what a wonderful memorial for such a special lady. Part of my early childhood was spent in the Golden household -- like all the other kids in our little corner of NE Portland. We didn't know her story then, but kids know a loving presence and she certainly was that. When she shared her story with my high school sophomore class, she did so with such a calm demeanor, no anger, no harsh words...truly a testament to her profound faith. Listening today to those who spoke, I know she was most proud of her family, and it was such a joy to see Elaine and Estelle today and to laugh at the stories! I will be sharing those with my siblings. We send our love and prayers to all the Golden family. The Morris kids: Marje, Don, Pat, and Emily
Marje Morris-Ferek
September 25, 2013
I went to the lovely service today for Diana Golden. I didn't know Diana well; I met her just one time. I've heard a lot about her and her life through her daughters and my friends, Estelle and Elaine. After hearing people speak about Diana, a funny, loving, kind, and elegant woman, I wish I had known her well. It's obvious she was a treasure, and she will be missed.
Kathy Haynes
September 25, 2013
my memories are old :) slumber parties. but i do remember being very impressed, she truly carried herself different, so strong. Very sorry for your loss Elaine and Estelle, she was a very gracious and graceful woman, glad i was exposed.
karla moxley
September 25, 2013
Dear Elaine & Family -- I am so sorry for your loss and hope that the wonderful memories you have shared, will also help you through this time. I remember as a teen, that your Mom scared me. I would go into the American Music Store and she would seem so stern. Then when I bumped into her later in life, it was a joy to be able to talk and share with her. May the love of your Mom & Dad and your memories, help you through this time. Lin Whitney (Ruth's sister)
September 25, 2013
Diana was a beautiful woman inside and out. While I was growing up in her Portland neighborhood, she was a role model of an always gracious, loving, even tempered, smiling woman. Many years were spent playing with Estelle and Elaine, and sharing meals. Funny things I remember: Her asking "Is Every Body Happy?" in a big happy voice, at every birthday party given by her. (We were!) Also, going with her and her girls to see afternoon movies where she carefully packed us each a sack lunch to eat while there! Good times, good memories! My thoughts are with you all at this time.
Debbie (Bertelson) Palmer
September 25, 2013
Whenever we met, Diana always inquired about my family, and reminisced about my father, Rabbi Kahan, who she remembered from his time as director of the rabbinical academy on the Island of Rhodes, and who performed the ceremony when Diana and Ken were married in Seattle. It is as if part of my past has gone with her. I am so very sorry I cannot attend the funeral today because of an appointment with my cardiologist at the exact same time. Isend you my sincerest condolences. Naomi Strauss
September 25, 2013
Diana Golden was a wonderful woman who came into my life when we started writing each other once a yr at Christmas. Yes, I know they did not do christmas but we did and she always sent a card with a long story about what had happened during the year as I wrote her about the comings and goings of the Pirtle's extended family. She will always be in my heart as well as her husband, Ken and my in-laws, Ted and Ella Pirtle. May the love of family and friends help cherish her memories forever.
Ron & Linda Pirtle
September 25, 2013
Diana was always warm and welcoming and made one feel very special in her presence. I have fond memories of staying overnight at their house for birthday slumber parties. Diana was truly an inspiration and someone we can all learn from. Susan Hochfeld Cullerton
September 25, 2013
After read Diana's story some five years ago I was very taken by this lovely lady and her love for life. Your daughter Estelle has been a dear friend for 25+ years and has let me in to her familes life. Diana will be missed but always remebered.
John Yancey
September 25, 2013
A beautiful, generous woman and her legacy lives on in all of you. Heartfelt sympathy to you my dear Golden/Brannon family: Elaine, Howard, Jackson and Connor.
Martha Ray
September 25, 2013
Our family and the Goldens were retail neighbors on Main Street in downtown Vancouver in the 1950's and beyond. Both ken and Diana worked hard and were active supporters in charitable causes for what was at that time our little town. Both are missed.
Marty Wolf
September 25, 2013
Our dear sweet neighbor for my years growing up next door. Many hours were spent in their home, playing with my dear friend, Elaine. What wonderful memories I have of growing up in our old neighborhood, and of picking up the phone and hearing her voice talking on our shared "party line". What a sweet woman she was. I was blessed to have known her.
Susan Sharadin Winkler
September 25, 2013
Diana was a very special lady. We knew her and Ken when we were all members of the Ft. Vancouver Sertoma Club. We have special memories of our times together. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
TC and Margie Warren
September 24, 2013
What a warm, wonderful woman. I always enjoyed seeing her at community events, and we were honored to have Diana and Ken visit our sukkah for a barbecue one year. Sincere condolences to Estelle, Elaine, Howard, Jackson, Connor, their Aunt Felicia and the rest of the extended family. May Diana's memory be a blessing.
Peggy Dorf
September 24, 2013
Our family and the Goldens were neighbors in the Concordia neighborhood. Diana Golden was a kind woman of compassion, dignity and grace. She once shared with me, "I thank God for everything." My family was blessed to count her as a friend.
Steve Reinisch
September 24, 2013
Diana Golden
September 24, 2013
Diana Golden
September 24, 2013
A lovely lady...she welcomed us into her home and heart during the teen years with her daughter Elaine. Peace and love with open arms to her family.
Ruth Bryson
September 24, 2013
Small world connection....? My grandmother was in Auschwitz at the same time. Her name was Gertrude Hartog. She died just a few months prior to the camp's liberation. Regards, Andy Rosson [email protected]
September 24, 2013
Diana was a beautiful person and an
inspiration to everyone who met her and who heard her story!! She will be missed!
Many blessings and much love
Joan M. Teller
September 24, 2013
I just had the privilege of meeting Diana a few weeks ago at Rose Schnitzer Manor. I was visiting my mother who moved there recently after the sudden death of my father in July. We shared a meal with Diana, during which she told me some of her amazing history and story. She was an articulate, lovely woman, and I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to meet her. I will not forget her story.
Linda Blank Hofgard
September 24, 2013
Diana was a woman of warmth, gentleness, dignity, courage and inner and outer beauty. There is no question her memory will always be for a blessing. I send my condolences.
Sandey Soble Fields
September 24, 2013
I initialloy lood at Diana's obit to see if she were related to a childhood friend, Diane Golden who went to Grant High School with me in '59.
What a wonderful story of your life. Thank you for sharing it
Sharon Ury/Jenika
September 24, 2013
We read her story in today's paper. What an amazing woman and life! Most of us can not imagine what she went through and marched on to succeed. Thank you for being such a person Diana.
Diane Dean
September 24, 2013
Some of my best childhood memories involve Diana Golden. She was a treasure and a great lady.
Vicki Mueller-Jette
September 24, 2013
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