Seattle Times, The (WA) - July 31, 1999
Deceased Name: MIRIAM ISAAC, 59, SOCIAL WORKER FOR CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY
Miriam Rosenblatt Isaac was "a true yiddisha mama," said her son Joshua Isaac of Baltimore.

Kind and agreeably sassy, Mrs. Isaac was a social worker for children and the elderly. She supported Congregation Beth Shalom and Jewish women's groups, and served on an ethics committee at Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound.

But she made time to work in the garden and bustle in the kitchen, making sure her family had applesauce and other homemade treats.

"She was a real family mom who raised us in the Jewish tradition," said Joshua Isaac. "That was real important to her."

She'd relax by taking in a movie, concert or Broadway show.

She also loved tending roses and houseplants, said her husband of 36 years, Walt Isaac of Seattle. "Flowers were her other children."

Mrs. Isaac died Sunday of cancer. She was 59.

Colleagues at Kirkland's Lake-Vue Gardens Convalescent Center, where she handled social services for the past nine years, said they turned to her for inspiration or a laugh.

"She was the most honest and gracious lady," said Sharon Dunning. "The elderly, she listened to them, and she heard them. I remember her saying to me, 'When something bad happens, you just have to let it go. You smile and then you go on.' "

The bad thing that happened to Mrs. Isaac was Crohn's disease, a gastrointestinal disorder she endured for 25 years. Seven months ago, she had a stroke. She was recuperating from that when cancer struck.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mrs. Isaac earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts at the University of Manitoba and a bachelor's degree in social work at the University of British Columbia.

She worked in Vancouver, B.C., then in Seattle, placing children in permanent or foster homes. She took time out to rear her own children, then worked in senior residences such as the Foss Home, The Theodora and Lake-Vue.

"She had a great sense of humor, was never critical and pursued things to completion," said Lake-Vue colleague Margaret Toop.

"Yet she was tactful and professional. She was a wonderful source on what resources the community could provide. She had a lot of personal contacts."

Also surviving are her children Marc Isaac, Seattle, and Shauna Isaac, London, and brothers Hymie Rosenblatt and Fred Rosenblatt, both of Winnipeg.

Services have been held. Donations may be sent to Congregation Beth Shalom, 6800 35th Ave. N.E., Seattle, WA 98115; or to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Washington Chapter, 320 Andover Park E., Tukwila, WA 98188.