Longtime School of Music friend Bernice Mossafer Rind died Oct. 17 at the age of 95, concluding a long and remarkable life marked by philanthropy, community service, and music. In addition to her past service on the School of Music Advisory Board, Mrs. Rind provided ongoing support for undergraduate students at the School of Music through the Bernice Mossafer Rind Endowed Fund in Music, granted to students majoring in composition for harp or harp performance as a major.
A concert harpist whose parents encouraged an early career in performing, she was born in Seattle to immigrant parents from the Isle of Rhodes and grew up surrounded by numerous aunts and uncles, and more than 20 first cousins, many of whom also lived into their 90s. She was an accomplished musician, a concert-quality harpist since her teens, and remained involved in music throughout her life.
A 53-year marriage to Martin Rind, whom she met when they were children attending Temple de Hirsch, produced four children raised with a thirst for learning, an appreciation for education, and love and respect for Judaism and the Jewish Community. Her philanthropy and community service included board appointments and leadership roles at the Jewish Federation, the Seattle Symphony, The Hebrew University, the University of Washington, and numerous other organizations.
“She was a great lady, very important in my life,” says School of Music professor Robin McCabe, who was School of Music director during the years Bernice Rind served on the School of Music Advisory Board. “I will miss her deeply.”
