Miriam Atkins nee Stein, (1929 - 2014) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

May her memory be a blessing ----------- זכרונה לברכה

85 years old
Born on January 9, 1929 in Cape Town, South Africa
Passed away on June 14, 2014 in Portland, Oregon, United States

This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Miriam Atkins nee Stein, 85 years old, born on January 9, 1929, and passed away on June 14, 2014. We will remember her forever.

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January 9, 2023

Miriam,
Another year has passed, and like an ocean wave slipping from the shore, we remember your beauty, your warmth, your love for all people and things good. We are grateful for your humor, your focusing on each of us when we were with you, your heart, your compassion, your love. May you be the protector of us, of your growing family, as we pray, the inspirer of us as we remember, the model for us as we live and love,
Rabbis Gary and Laurie

June 14, 2022

Miriam was a very special person and is sorely missed. I would love to hear how the family is getting along. Love, Sally Edelist Aryeh and I and the cilldren are doing well.l

June 14, 2022

Miriam was a nurturing force. Just being around her offered a kind of healing for me. I’m not exaggerating!

January 9, 2022

Ah, Miriam, It seems like yesterday, I was just exploring the Sou’ester as a possible retreat site to meet with you and Len and to discover your journeys. How you welcomed this stranger! Bed and make your own breakfast; I had no clue, back then, that I was supposed to make my own meals…. From that first meeting, you made me family, only to discover that your daughter lived near us in Portland, and that we’d just met her. How proud you would be as your family celebrates the blessings of your grandchild finding love. Oh, how we miss you and your gentle strength, your attention to the details of love. Love to you, Miriam, from Rabbis Gary (and Laurie,too)

January 9, 2022

As I light a candle for you, Miriam, I thank you for all the candles you lit for me to help guide me on my path. with loving memories, Laurie

June 15, 2020

I was happy to have her in my life. A very special person.....Is Len alive and well? Sally and Aryeh Edelist

June 14, 2019

I will be forever grateful to Miriam for her support of my creative career as an architectural potter. Hosting interesting speakers and musicians in the S'owester. And generally supporting those innovators who make this planet a better place to be.

January 10, 2018

Seeing these photos of Miriam and Len makes me miss them both so. We are blessed to have shared many memorable, fun and engaging visits with them.

June 14, 2017

Miriam,

In the din of the day, I remember your gentle, loving and centered approach to the details of personal connection in this world. You were hard of hearing in the years that I knew you, but you could hear so deeply the conversation of the soul. I miss you.

Love,

(Rabbi) Gary

June 14, 2017

I was having strong memories of Miriam and Len this morning before I saw the reminder of Miriam's passing on this date in 2014. What dear friends they both were to us. So supportive, compassionate and understanding. We always had a good laugh, too. I carry the friendship with me always.

January 9, 2017

Thank you for the pictures which brought back many memories of her sweet, gentle and generous nature. I would love to hear about how you, Zivit and Smadar, are doing and how your dad is faring. We are well. Danny had a baby boy, Max, who is a delight to us in our old age!!

January 9, 2017

Miriam,
You set an example for me of compassion, acceptance, and generous hospitality which I continue in your honor. Knowing you improved my life, gave me opportunities to become successful in my creative career, and sustained me during the toughest challenges of my life. Bless you and all who have benefited from knowing you.

June 17, 2016

My dear Miriam...these past few days, I've been wondering what advice you might offer to those of us who used to sit around the table in your Sou'wester kitchen, who are processing the unfathomable tragedies and fear mongering in our country. While I chose the candle to honor you, perhaps--in a roundabout way--I'm asking you to light the way for us who could use your wisdom.

June 14, 2016

Dearest Miriam,
You're in my thoughts and prayers today on the 2nd anniversary of your passing. Your sweetness, love and kindness are very much a part of me.
I miss your beautiful spirit.
Jon

June 14, 2016

Miriam,

We miss your gentle strength, your careful wisdom, your kind and loving heart, your attention to what was always most important in life, your ability to focus and to help us focus. With love, we remember you.

January 10, 2016

I lit not just a virtual candle, but a real candle for you Miriam, and held it in my gaze for the longest time, remembering you. Your loving and kind spirit shines on, and I will always value our friendship.

January 9, 2016

Miriam, I think that you'd be pleased to know that Nick gave me the book, "Miriam's Kitchen" for Christmas. Naturally, I thought of you...remembering you in your Sou'Wester kitchen. Your spirit is still very much in my heart.

July 29, 2015

Miriam was such a treasure, as are you Len. I remember with much fondness visits and talks with you both at the SouWester. Those were special times and I so much appreciate the hospitality you provided there.

June 17, 2015

Dear Len and family
Our thoughts are with you - the yaartzeit of your beloved Miriam.
What a remarkable woman. What a wonderful role model.
She made the world a better place. I will always remember her smile, her warmth, her compassion - although I only met her twice. May her dear soul rest in peace.

June 15, 2015

Thinking about you and Len... Nick and are I treasure the times we spent with you at the Sou'wester. It was an honor and a privilege to know you. Your presence, dear Miriam, clearly lives on in fond memories from all of us who knew you.

June 14, 2015

Miriam,
Just hearing your name again brings an immediate smile to my face and a happy humming. I still see your smile, feel your hug and know your love of all of us! You are the best!!
Love always,
Harmony

June 14, 2015

I will never forget your model of compassion, patience, acceptance and hospitality. Your winning smile or wise council. I bless you every day Miriam.

June 14, 2015

When Miriam and I focused together , either in person or by internet using Skype chat due to her hearing, her main concern was being present, being in Presence. I'm holding her in Presence now, in love. I remember seeking her out when I found she shared my interest in Focusing, visiting her there on Long Beach, her welcome at the Sou'wester, and our planning together the first Northwest Focusing Gathering there. Those beginnings have grown into 8 years of yearly wonderful gatherings and now this group is putting on an international conference for all the focusers in the world! What a gift to be nurtured by Miriam's warmth.

January 15, 2015

Miriam and family,
Last week, prior to the notice about Miriam's birthday, I was recalling our many visits to the Sou'Wester and the lovely welcome Nick and I received each time from Len and Miriam. Although I was unaware that Miriam's birthday was this month, I think that her powerful and nurturing spirit sent out the message, a hello to all who loved and respected her so much. While we have not returned since you moved to Portland, the memories of all of those times spent still linger and provide sustenance.
You will not be forgotten!
Patti & Nick

January 9, 2015

Dearest Miriam,

Happy Birthday. I think of you (and Len) often. We will always miss stopping by to see you when we have the opportunity to be in Long Beach. We will miss the tea, tasty tidbits and meaningful conversation that was always in the offing.

Jim, Viki and Lane

January 9, 2015

Dear Miriam,

In the rustling wind through evergreens, we miss you. We miss your kindness, your passion for life and love, your heart, your soulful attention to the details of caring for people. We will always be richer for having been touched so many times as you encouraged our dreams and shared your empathy. You soul is still very dear to us. May your loving family and friends be comforted in their mourning. May they be inspired by your memory to find ways to be giving, loving, caring, empathetic like you were for us and for so many. With love,
Rabbis Gary and Laurie

January 9, 2015

Miriam's life reminds me to hold love uppermost in my actions. To listen actively and practice compassion. For her, to take the road less traveled was a valid option. Bless her contribution to the human experience!

August 24, 2014

Len and family,

Sorry to be so tardy in response. It was with a mixture of sadness and joy that I read the email my wife Viki received earlier this summer regarding Miriam' passing. I, my wife Viki and our daughter Lane continue to have the fondest of memories of her. I started visiting The Souwester in August of 1988 ( cottage #7)and returned yearly until 1998 when we purchased our own cottage in Longbeach. We, nonetheless, visited Len and Miriam each August and at other visits over the following years. I especially remember managing/ running the Souwester one December for a couple weeks so that the two lovebirds could complete their trip to Joshua Tree that had been interrupted when they came across the Souwester on their way to California years earlier. I especially enjoyed tea and snacks in the kitchen with the two of them while disussing a wide variety of topics including societal issues, teaching, medicine, etc. I'm sure Len misses her each and every day. Miriam, rest in a furthering of the peace I think you enjoyed throughout your life on earth. Len, our sympathies are with you and your family. With love, Jim, Viki and Lane Cherewatenko

July 14, 2014

Dearest Len and family,
So sad to hear of Miriam's passing. We always thought of her so very fondly during all the years we knew her. Jack, of course, knew you Len from Cape Town days and we added Miriam to our list of very special people, first meeting you both in Israel in those early days, then in Chicago where we visited you, and finally at the wonderful Sou'wester where we joined in and enjoyed a heartwarming stay some years ago. And always thought of visiting again some day...It was a unique setting for a warm and loving couple - and the people around responded with love and gratitude to the atmosphere of "the good life" which together you radiated. We will continue to think of lovely Miriam with deep appreciation and love.

July 10, 2014

Thinking of you Dear Len and your dear, dear Miriam.
What a wonderful, kind, joyful lady she was. I smile just thinking about her and always will. She was always so sweet to me and I always felt instantly calm when I was with her. She did the nicest things for folks that came to stay at the Sou"Wester. I remember when I brought my very special Dog to stay in #10 and Miriam left out biscuits and welcomed my Bonnie to to her special cabin! I loved to bring special foods to share with Miriam and remember a special love she had for sugar wafers.

I will keep her and her spirit in my heart and try to remember to be a bit more like her whenever I am able.
A truly amazing spirit and what an Amazing Lady.

Love,

Harmony

July 6, 2014

Miriam had a heart as big as the sky. She embraced us in her wisdom, and held us in her warmth. Even though occasions to talk with her were rare, I felt like I'd known her "forever". Her genuine interest in the lives and concerns of others was exceptional; anyone who spent time with Miriam came away feeling better about themselves. I am so sorry for your loss, Len. With love and gratitude we hold you in our hearts.

July 3, 2014

Like hundreds of others, perhaps thousands, I first met Len and sweet Miriam when I was a guest at the Sou'Wester. Like all those others, it took about six minutes for me to change from "guest" to "family," Even after I purchased my home in Ocean Park,I continued to visit the Sou'Wester, to get a hug from Miriam, and to attend the wonderful concerts they arranged. I have a picture in my mind, even now, of Miriam, sitting quietly on the sidelines, smiling her soft smile, as Len entertained us with his droll commentary on the musicians, on the weather, on shore birds, on life. I never knew anyone with such a big heart. What a privilege to know her.

June 26, 2014

Miriam played an important role in my angst-ridden teen years in Chicago. As Zivit's high school friend, I spent lots of time at the Atkins' apartment, eating and preparing meals, participating in seders filled with fun children's songs and games, and yakking for hours at the kitchen table. Miriam was so easy to bond with. Her lilting accent and warm smile charmed me. Even when Zivit left for Israel Miriam and I continued our own friendship--taking a drawing class on the North Side with a funny, gifted Art Institute grad student in her spacious apartment (Smadar, did you take that class too?) and getting together downtown for lunch. She made me feel seen, appreciated, at a time when I needed that. And I can tell she did that for a lot of people. Zivit tells me that Miriam continued developing her Focusing skills into her late years. I find that so impressive--that ongoing commitment to self development, which need not stop, and in her case never did. She had fantastic values and she lived them. I feel so blessed to have known her.

June 25, 2014

Dearest Miriam was always loving, warm, open, and optimistic. I will sorely miss her. I can only imagine what a terrible loss this will be to you, Len and Zivit and Smadar. Is there a charity that you and Miriam would want to commemorate that Aryeh and I can donate to. We all go back such a long way from our youth and I never saw Miriam in a bad mood or angry. We loved her and always will think of her with joy. Sally and Aryeh

June 25, 2014

Very sad to hear of Miriam's passing. I first went to the Souwester in January of 2004 with my then wife, 3 year old son and 2 month old newborn daughter. From that moment on Miriam and Len were family. I suspect a lot of families felt the same way over the years. Needless to say we kept going back. Miriam always wanted to see the kids and enjoyed watching them grow. Her kindness was never interrupted by a bad day or the ails of the world, she was always wonderful. My heartfelt thoughts go out to Len and the rest of the family, including that guitar playing grandson or nephew who wooed my stepdaughters in the living room over the course of a couple of nights with his great guitar work and singing.

June 24, 2014

Miriam, my beautiful auntie, has always been an inspiration to me.

She radiated warmth and intelligence, she was kind and loving, she always had time for her family, friends and anyone who was fortunate enough to come into contact with her. She nurtured her relationships, always remained interested and interesting.

And Miriam was never afraid to be a bit different, a quality for which I have the greatest respect, and which I will always aspire to, even though I may not be as successful.

Miriam, lovely Auntie Miriam, I will never forget your smiling face, I will treasure my memories of you. You have not left us. You will remain forever in the hearts and minds of all those you touched.

My heartfelt condolences go to my dearest Uncle Len (another inspirational person), my wonderful cousins Smadar and Zivit, and your families.

With fondest love
Debbie, Ron and family

June 23, 2014

Wow, what a terrific human being!
Miriam exemplified an expansive life-forward energy, contagious to all who came into her presence. I first came to know Miriam through Focusing connections, as she was a friend of my mentor Reva Bernstein. Then the Sou'wester hosted our first NW gathering, and we had the great delight of meeting Len and Miriam in their roles of innkeepers, raconteurs, listeners and all-around huge-hearted humans par excellence.
Deep bows of gratitude for the way you enriched my life, Miriam, and great wishes of equanimity and peace to you, Len, and your entire family.

June 22, 2014

To have known Miriam was a blessing. Her warmth, her kindness and her wisdom nourished me. She was and will remain a model to me as a woman, a wife, and a mother. Len and Zivit, I send my love. I send my heartfelt sympathy to your entire family.

June 22, 2014

I treasure knowing Miriam and Len just a bit...they infused the Sou'Wester with a zany creative energy and we all enjoyed the creative and joyous surprises...evenings in the Lodge room...deeply warm person Miriam was...she danced and was delighted to hear my shy Mandolin in the SouWester Lodge Room...encouraging embracing...and...
Len I do miss your insightful zany missives...all the best to the family and community of friends of Miriam Atkins...Charlie Becker

June 22, 2014

We were saddened to hear of the passing on of Miriam. We met Miriam and Len in Cape Town some years back through their friendship with our cousin Ann. We immediately were struck by their warmth, wisdom and sincerity and kept in touch all the years. I loved receiving their ramblings and forwarded them to friends to share and enjoy.
They were a great source of strength and comfort to Ann especially during her illness - which we as her family appreciated so much.. She wrote about their kindness and hospitality when she celebrated the Jewish festivals with them. I was fortunate enough to reconnect with them when I visited Sea View three years ago. On that occasion I also met Sivit which was an added pleasure. Dearest Len and family - please accept our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beloved Miriam. "A woman of worth" - a true " Eyshet Chayil" . May her dear soul rest in peace.

June 21, 2014

Our hearts are filled with despair.The beautifully written, comprehensive summary of Miriam's life seemed, in so many ways, to capture her essence. It was comforting to know that she was supported by family and dear friends during her last days.

My intense, joyful history with Miriam began in Chicago when I was 27 and she was 36 and lasted three blessed years as co-kindergarten teachers at the Solomon Schechter Day School. Can you imagine my luck to have fallen in with her--to have been able to observe this master teacher up close? What I saw above all every day, every year, in every possible situation was innate 'graciousness'. She taught me 'graciousness'. I could cry when I remember her kneeling beside a child and using just the right words to comfort him or her--or remembering how she was able to relieve a distraught parent of one concern or another. Simply by observing her, I know I became a better parent to my five, three and one year old at the time. I remember marveling at the sage comments she would make about children as we ate lunch sitting on low chairs in our classroom. Being able to teach with Miriam was nothing short of a free tutorial. And then, to think she brought me (us) home to meet Len, Smadar and Zivit...to that lovely apartment with the glass beads hanging down in front of Zivit's (?) bedroom..and the glowing warmth of the family (Oh, my!).

Of course, we visited Miriam and Len at The Sou'Wester, as our children did, and once again came within their rare embrace of caring.

Miriam couldn't possibly have known the extent to which she influenced the person I became later in life, but every interaction I've had over the years (or will have) is colored by her innate empathy--empathy was her genius, and that genious inevitably led to graciousness.

We love you and grieve for you all.

Trudy and Harvey

June 21, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to Len and his family.
As a family we have wonderful memories of holidays at the Sou'wester. It was not summer for my son if he had not ridden his bike on at Sea'view. We were always welcomed warmly by Len and Miriam. We have shared with them some of our ups and downs through our lives and have been comforted by their support. I remember Miriam as a warm and loving person. Mostly I thought of her as a person of great integrity. I chose to light a candle as it represents the light and joy Miriam's quiet presence brought to the world.

June 20, 2014

Miriam,yourtouch, your smile could wipe away tension and worries. What a blessing you were to us. Your food nourished body and soul and the discussions around the dinner table were priceless. My fondest memory of Miriam was when we gave Zivit a ride from Seattle to the Sou'Wester. You had experienced an accident and were in a really sad state. Miriam, your loving Mom did not ask any questions. She tucked you in, sat on your bed and softly played the recorder til you were asleep.
Dearest Len, we share your loss. We will be with you in thought on Sunday. 2 of our granddaughters have dance performances so we will not be able to travel to Portland. Know, that you are all in our hearts and minds

June 19, 2014

Our son was four years old in 1975 when we first met the very special Miriam--his first teacher and first " love". She welcomed him and me!
What a blessing to have Miriam as your very first teacher!!! She taught all of my family by her warmth, acceptance and love. A MOTHER to us all! She shared her whole family with us and we were the better for it.
What a model mother and teacher! Henry and I feel your loss.

June 19, 2014

The memories I made with Torsten at the Sou'Wester are priceless and Len and Miriam were at the cornerstone of those memories. You always felt like kin to me (as I know you did to many others). I learned so much from Miriam in those years. I especially loved her open heart to Torsten. I was always very aware the memories he would take with him growing up knowing you and the Sou'Wester, would be some of the best memories a child could have. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of that. I cherish the memories of sitting in front of the fireplace listening to the hustle and bustle of the two of you between the office and the kitchen. You were and are both so, so kind. All our love, Kristina and Torsten

June 19, 2014

Miryummaleh - a life of cheerful love, always a joy to be together. a memory we'll cherish as long as we breathe. What a priviledge to have known you! We'll tell Avigail our two-year old grand-daughter, the next generation, all about you and how you enjoyed the photos of her entry into our lives.

June 19, 2014

Dearest Family of Miriam,

I loved her much, and delighted in her stories, her laughter, and her offers to help me as I struggled with my own family turmoil. A wise woman, she was. I am grateful for the time we spent together, and regret I missed opportunities to spend more time with her.

Len, for you. I am so sorry for the loss of your life partner. I can only imagine the vast void into which you must feel you have been thrust. Not much consolation, but the whole community of Miriam fans are grieving with you.

all my love to you and yours.

Ellen

June 18, 2014

Dear Miriam always made me feel especially welcome at the SouWester. The last time I was there, she came out to my cabin in the middle of the night because a friend of mine had called the main office. A frivolous call, it turned out. She did not give any indication that she was put out--as she must have been. Many's the time I've sat in that wonderful kitchen with Len and Miriam who treated me like an old, treasured friend. I miss the two of them very much and am so very sad that Miriam is no longer in this world.

June 18, 2014

t takes time to heal from such a powerful example of women.
Miriam sustained me with support for my ceramics career. She offered me food when I was at the Sou'wester. She offer the bathhouse of the "trailer park", when the home Jon Ducharme and I were building, had a bath in disarray for a year!

I got gallery shows from guests she encouraged to look at my work, during their vacation, to be in displays in their galleries. I came to get advice and she fed me both culinarily and in spirit. She told me how fine my ceramic work was and encouraged me to follow my heart.

I too had a fabulous mother, different from Miriam, but sharing many of the same qualities. She transformed eight years ago. I've come to grips with her passing, but I'm dancing on with her convictions and ideals of compassion, personal growth, thoughtfulness and creativity.

It takes time to heal from such a powerful example of women. Now I'm a writer of mystery on iTunes books. Miriam would be proud of me.

June 18, 2014

It is in great sadness that I mourn the loss of my dear friend of nearly 50 years, my very sweet Miriam. I feel privileged to have enjoyed such a meaningful and enduring friendship with both Len and Miriam and their family. I remember with deep appreciation the many happy occasions we shared together and am grateful for those times when we were able to speak so openly of our respective uncertainties and fears which challenge all of us during our lifetime. It is with enormous admiration that I saw over the years the solidity of Len and Miriam’s relationship and their deep commitment to one another.
I will never forget the warmth and love so openly expressed to me by Miriam at the time I shared with her that I was a gay man.
Miriam was a woman of great depth who brought happiness and joy to all of us who loved her.
She will be sadly missed. May her memory be an inspiration and a blessing for all.

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Recent Tributes

January 9, 2023

June 14, 2022

Miriam was a very special person and is sorely missed. I would love to hear how the family is getting along. Love, Sally Edelist Aryeh and I and the cilldren are doing well.l

June 14, 2022

Miriam was a nurturing force. Just being around her offered a kind of healing for me. I’m not exaggerating!

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Gallery

Miriam and Len on March 27, 2011 at the Sou'wester Lodge.

Bobbe, Judy, Ellie, Miriam......1968 / Shared by Lesley Raz

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Words to describe Miriam

June 15, 2015

kind, patient, deep, joyful, curious, intelligent, loving, affectionate, strong, worldly, spiritual, beautiful. Miriam and Len gave me a book when I graduated (late in life) with my Bachelor's degree. It was on Gods. The inscription on the card read,
"To Dear Laurie, Congratulations on your steadfast journey in pursuit of wisdom--
a gift from us to help you keep track of your friends in this world and the next! Love, Miriam and Len"
The cover of the card was a remarkable drawing, perhaps done by a friend of theirs (I'm not sure) I came upon the book and the card the day after Miriam passed, and was deeply touched by her message, once again.

Mother Love

June 22, 2014

When I was a little girl and the Atkins family was living in one of the two Hyde Park apartments they'd made their home after I'd first met Zivit, Zivit and I had a "play date," although in those days that's not what we called them. I will always remember watching Miriam as she gathered Zivit and Smadar into her arms for an embrace. Then she said, with her South African accented voice, sounding as if she had just taken a bite of the most delicious food she had ever tasted: "My beauties!" The image of their three dark heads together has stayed with me during all the years of Zivit's and my amazing friendship. Because my relationship with my own mother was so complicated and unaffecitonate, that image and memory has served as a template for the way I have loved my own children. Miriam was a teacher, even when she was "just" loving. I'm so sad that she suffered at the end of her wonderful life. I hope that wherever she is now she can continue to be "spontaneous," which is a reference Zivit will understand.

The Kitchen

June 19, 2014

In memoriam of the spirit of Miriam,

You may have no time to tell this and I understand.

She was a well loved woman, supporting creative forces in the Northwest and beyond. People came to her from far and wide to feel her warmth.

When I had relationship problems, she counciled. When I had creative challenges, she counciled. When I wanted fun, she and Len had it!

Bless Miriam and the joy she brought.

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