Gail Shiri Kadison Golden

Gail Shiri Kadison Golden, MSW, Ed.D. (July 11, 1943–May 25, 2024) was a true light to all who knew her, and her life is a shining example of tikkun olam [repair of the world] in its purest form. In her professional work as a social worker and psychotherapist, Gail was a renowned champion for equal rights and social justice. She worked tirelessly for marginalized and underrepresented communities, including children, immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, and those affected by oppressive institutional systems. Gail served for many years as the clinical director for Volunteer Counseling Service in New City, New York, where she created and implemented innovative and acclaimed training and development programs for new counselors. As a volunteer community organizer, Gail poured her energy and her passion into the Rockland Immigration Coalition, The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, the Anti-Racist Alliance, Proyecto Faro, the New York Immigration Coalition, Social Workers against Solitary Confinement, and many other organizations. For her tremendous and invaluable service to her community, Gail received numerous awards, including the Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame Award and the Rockland County Woman of Distinction Award, presented by New York State Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee. Gail was also a profound and lyrical poet whose collection, Awaiting Creation, was published in 2002. Friends and family knew Gail to be brilliant, funny, creative, and a uniquely loving and inspiring person. She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Howard Joseph Golden; her beloved daughters, Rachel May Golden (Leslie C. Gay, Jr.) and Deborah Beth Golden (Matthew Kent McTeague); her adored brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Stephanie Kadison; and her cherished grandson, Charlie Ryan Meade. Her loss will ripple throughout many communities and will be felt for many years. May her memory be a blessing. Funeral services for Gail Kadison Golden will be held at Rose Mortuary—Mann in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Friday, May 31, beginning at 10:00 am. The service will be available to watch as a livestream and/or as an archived recording on the Rose–Mann Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RoseMannHeritage. In honor of Gail’s life and legacy, those who are interested are invited to make a donation to the New York Immigration Coalition (https://www.nyic.org), the Foundation for Jewish Camp (https://jewishcamp.org), or the Center for Safety and Change (https://www.centerforsafetyandchange.org).

Tributes

Gail Shiri Kadison Golden

July 11, 1943 - May 25, 2024