Ida (Birnbaum) Blum

Ida R. Blum, 102, of West Hartford died peacefully at her home on Saturday (October 27, 2007). Born in New Britain on May 26, 1905, she was the daughter of the late Morris and Pauline (Levi) Birnbaum. She was predeceased by her husband, Louis Blum; two sisters, Helen Birnbaum and Dorothy Bluestein; and by two brothers, Samuel “Sy” Birnbaum and Ben Birnbaum. She leaves her son, Richard Blum and his wife, Kendall of West Hartford. She and her brother, Sy were partners in Birnbaum’s Main Corner Lee in New Britain, a business begun by their father in 1932. For many years, Ida was involved with fashion and frequently spoke about her weekly business trips to New York City’s garment district. Her comments always involved her expression of gratitude for the business her parents initiated and the satisfaction of fulfilling clients needs. During retirement, Ida enjoyed spending winters in Boca Raton, FL. Ida was extremely charitable from which many organizations benefited. In 1990, with her late brother, Sy Birnbaum and her son, Richard, she endowed an one million dollar chair at the University of Connecticut Health Center for advancement in research and treatment in the Department of Psychiatry. Ida was a member of the former Temple B’nai Israel and Congregation Tephereth Israel both of New Britain. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 31 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford with Rabbi Henry Okolica officiating. Interment will follow in Beth Alom Cemetery, Allen St., New Britain. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Association for Community Living, 900 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT. For further information, directions, or to share memories of Ida with her family, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com