For almost 27 years, Sima Ruth Blue helped to outfit many of Baltimore’s most fashionable women.
The owner of Trillium LTD, a high-end women’s boutique in Green Spring Station that closed last December, Blue, a Pikesville resident, died on Feb. 3. She would have turned 77 on Feb. 5.
Blue’s funeral, conducted by Chizuk Amuno Congregation’s Senior Rabbi Joshua Z. Gruenberg and Chazzan Emanuel C. Perlman, was held at Sol Levinson & Bros. on Feb. 4.
A Baltimore native and Chizuk Amuno congregant, Blue, whose maiden name was Rosenthal, attended Forest Park High School and earned a master’s degree in liberal arts from Johns Hopkins University.
She started her career as a social worker and addictions counselor at the Associated Jewish Charities and Welfare Fund (now known as The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore). In 1986, Blue left the federation to start the men’s personal shopping department at Macy’s department store locations around the state.
By 1992, Blue was ready for a career move. She purchased Trillium in 1992 when she was 50. (The store was founded in 1979).
Paula LeBow worked at the store with Blue for nine years and considered her a close friend.
“She is leaving such a void in my life,” said LeBow. “Sima was just a person to be admired. Her sense of style was impeccable, and besides being an intelligent, determined and competent person, she was real and grounded. You could talk to her about anything, and she could really read people. She was a rare breed.
“Most boutiques target one age group or another, but Trillium catered to women from ages 20 to 80. Sima literally dressed generations of women,” she said.
Kathy Matava, who owns Matava Shoes in Green Spring Station, knew Blue for 23 years. She said Blue will be “sorely missed. She had a really terrific eye and did a terrific job of buying and selling merchandise. We kind of worked in tandem. She would bring people [from her store] to see my shoes, and I really appreciated it.
“Sima was very opinionated, forceful, dynamic, direct, but she had a very soft and generous side.”
Chazzan Perlman, Chizuk Amuno’s cantor emeritus, first met Blue in 2007 when she was mourning the loss of her husband, Dr. Larrie Blue, a pediatrician. Later, Blue and her daughter, Jennifer, accompanied Chazzan Perlman on a humanitarian mission to Cuba.
“Sima loved life, and everyone fortunate enough to be in her life loved her back,” he said. “She was strong, determined, adventurous, industrious and gregarious. She was a very special and unique woman.”
Post-retirement, Blue was looking forward to traveling, spending more time with her grandchildren and taking classes at Johns Hopkins University. She was initially diagnosed with cancer last spring.
Shiva will take place Feb. 4 until 8 p.m.; Feb. 5 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. with services at 7 p.m. at 16 Halcyon Ct. in Pikesville.
Blue is survived by her sons, Michael Blum (Jamie Shor) and Jeffrey Blum; her daughter, Jennifer (Jay) Rubin; her grandchildren Lily and Evan Blum, Jordan and Max Rubin, and Sophie, Rachel and Sam Blum; and her partner, Martin Parks.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Central Scholarship, and HopeWell Cancer Support.
Avi Jacobs and Avraham Zhu emerged victorious at JewQ, held recently in Stamford, Connecticut.
The old Hendler's Creamery plant facility at 1100 E. Baltimore Street is scheduled for demolition on April 15.
Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev writes about leading Beth Tfiloh's recent mission to Israel and the resilience of the Jewish people during the most challenging of times.
Deciding when it's time to move your loved one to a senior housing facility is never easy, but Compassionate Ally principals BethAnn Talbot and Indye Gersh say exploring your options in advance can reduce the stress.