"In lieu of flowers mourners are invited to show their love and respect for Soskin by making donations to her namesake school, Betty Reid Soskin Middle School, where she recently celebrated her birthday with a joyous gathering among admiring children and family members who sang her the birthday song and showered her with letters and cards. Supporters can also support an effort to finish a documentary film, "Sign My Name To Freedom,""
"Word of her death spread quickly on Sunday afternoon. Within 55 minutes of the announcement being posted, more than 300 people had paid their respects online, with the number later swelling to 500 and counting. Among the comments: She was a blessing to multitudes. A great one to always remember!! A national treasure. Oh, such a great spirit and wonderful author, speaker, and inspiration to so many people. Hopefully we can carry on with her insistence to have the truth known."
Betty Reid Soskin retired as the nation's oldest park ranger and died peacefully at her home in Richmond at age 104, surrounded by family. Her family announced the death on Facebook and said she had led a fully packed life and was ready to leave. Details about a public memorial will be announced later, and mourners are invited to donate to Betty Reid Soskin Middle School in lieu of flowers. She recently celebrated her birthday at the school with children and family. Supporters are encouraged to help finish the documentary "Sign My Name To Freedom," scheduled for 2026. Her memoir of the same name was published in 2018, and her story also appears in the film "No Time to Waste," produced with the Rosie the Riveter Trust. Online condolences grew rapidly, and community leaders, including Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, recalled long connections with her.
Read at The Oaklandside
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