Aroxie S. Feldman

FELDMAN, AROXIE S. December 9, 1929 – July 18, 2015 Aroxie was born to Elizabeth and William Boghasen in Harvey, IL. Her childhood was marked by an exposure and openness to diverse people, faiths, and ideas, and she continued to seek out and celebrate that type of diversity throughout her life. Aroxie graduated from Thornton Township High School in Harvey in 1946 and later returned to her education, receiving her Bachelor of Arts from Metropolitan State College in Denver in 1982. Aroxie met Sam Feldman, the man who would become her husband of 64 years, while working as a switchboard operator at the International Union of Mine, Mill, and Smelter Workers. Shortly after meeting Sam, Aroxie was so taken with him that she walked into a pole. Together she and Sam moved around the States and traveled the world. Aroxie maintained a lifelong commitment to ensuring equal opportunity for all and found her calling – and a means of fulfilling this commitment – in the classroom. She began her fifty-year career at Emily Griffith Opportunity School in 1964 as an early childhood education instructor. She introduced the Early Childhood Professions Program in 1989 and was officially recognized as Emily Griffith Opportunity School's Educator of the Year several times. Aroxie also served as a representative of the Council for Professional Recognition that grants child development associate credentials to competent early childhood educators. Beyond teaching, Aroxie was very involved in local politics. Democratic politicians from city council members all the way to state representatives and governors communicated with – and in some cases owed their success to – Aroxie. Above all, she was devoted to her children and grandchildren and was very involved in their education and activities, sharing her love of music and the arts. Known for her warmth and generosity of spirit, Aroxie was an inspiration to many and loved by all. Aroxie is preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Feldman, by only eight months and her sister Margaret Oplatka Soucek. She leaves behind her sister, Rose Boghasen; her daughter, Ann Feldman Perille (Thomas Perille); her son, William Feldman; her granddaughters, Elizabeth, Laura, and Maria Perille; and niece Elizabeth Oplatka (Bruce Covich). A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 27, 2015 at 3:30 pm at Horan & McConaty Chapel located at 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO. An interment at Fort Logan National Cemetery will precede the memorial service at 2:30 pm, Shelter B. Please arrive at Staging Area B not later than 2:15 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union or to the charity of your choice.