By Bonnie Bagley

ACBL Goodwill Co-Chairman

 

With excerpts from Aileen’s New York memorial service

 

We’ve lost one of our finest grande dames of ACBL bridge. Aileen Ososfsky of Phoenix, chairman of the ACBL Goodwill Committee, passed away on June 22 after a struggle with leukemia. She was 83.

Aileen was one of the most revered women in all of bridge. Just last year she was voted into the ACBL Hall of Fame for her many contributions to the game.

Aileen did not just chair good will, she was good will. She had a way of lifting people up and making them feel special, to take everyone into her heart. Your concerns were her concerns. When she spoke to you, you always wanted to be a better person.

She taught us how to be friends.

Aileen Osofsky

 

ACBL Goodwill Committee

 

The ACBL Goodwill Committee was organized in 1955. Aileen became chair in 1985 and expanded the committee’s endeavors, taking on promotion of active ethics, awareness of those with disabilities, support for junior programs, and naming of a Goodwill Member of the Year. Aileen Osofsky’s Goodwill Day is celebrated on Monday of each NABC.

At a very early age Aileen did not believe she was doing enough “charity” work. She wanted to make the world a better place. Her sister Muriel remembers young Aileen once asked their father, “Why was I born?  What am I doing on earth? Who will remember me?”

Her father replied, “Your husband, children and friends will remember you.”

Aileen said that was not enough. “I want to leave a mark on the world.” She did.

Aileen Osofsky